Understanding the service user and clinician experience of CBT for OCD
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Understanding the clinician and service user experience of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and the factors which influence treatment outcomes: a qualitative study.
IRAS ID
317280
Contact name
Eilidh Grant
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Sussex
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 11 months, 30 days
Research summary
Research Summary:
This research will look to understand factors which influence treatment outcomes in the context of cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Interviews, focus groups and online surveys are the data collection methods which will be used. Participants will be those who have previously received CBT for their OCD (Service users) or have experience of delivering CBT for those with OCD. Participants will be recruited via the NHS Sussex Partnership Foundation Trust OCD clinic, through social media and through charitable networks.Lay summary of study results:
Objectives and design:
Exposure response prevention, with or without adding cognitive therapy, is the best evidenced psychological treatment for OCD. Nevertheless, around half of individuals do not experience symptom remission following this treatment. Previously used study methods have largely been unable to identify factors which determine whether someone will respond well to CBT for OCD, although engagement in tasks throughout therapy (both in sessions and at home) does seem to be important in determining the success of this therapy. Hence, we felt it important to understand from those who have had or provided therapy for OCD, which aspects helped and or hindered engagement in CBT for OCD.
Methods:
Online interviews were conducted with service users and clinicians
Results:
Four major themes were identified by the research team. These were: ‘Good groundwork for CBT’, ‘Motivation’, ‘Flexibility within fidelity’ and ‘Help and encouragement throughout therapy’. Each of these themes is discussed in turn in the paper with exemplar quotes.
Conclusions:
It is important that therapeutic motivation and readiness to change are viewed as a changeable and that CBT for OCD is applied in according to manuals, but also in a way which remains flexible and does not overlooking the importance of factors such as support from therapists and loved ones.REC name
London - West London & GTAC Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
23/PR/0176
Date of REC Opinion
12 Apr 2023
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion