The feasibility and acceptability to service users of CIRCuiTS, a computerized cognitive remediation therapy programme for schizophrenia

Reeder, C., Pile, V., Crawford, P., Cella, M., Rose, D., Wykes, T., Watson, A., Huddy, V. and Callard, F. (2016) The feasibility and acceptability to service users of CIRCuiTS, a computerized cognitive remediation therapy programme for schizophrenia. Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapy, 44(3), pp. 288-305. (doi: 10.1017/S1352465815000168) (PMID:26004421) (PMCID:PMC4855993)

Abstract

Background: Cognitive remediation (CR) is a psychological therapy, effective in improving cognitive performance and functioning in people with schizophrenia. As the therapy becomes more widely implemented within mental health services its longevity and uptake is likely to depend on its feasibility and acceptability to service users and clinicians. Aims: To assess the feasibility and acceptability of a new strategy-based computerized CR programme (CIRCuiTS) for people with psychosis. Method: Four studies were conducted using mixed methods. Perceptions of attractiveness, comprehensibility, acceptability and usability were assessed using self-report questionnaires in 34 non-clinical participants (study 1), and five people with a schizophrenia diagnosis and three experienced CR therapists (studies 2 and 3). The ease with which pre-specified therapy programmes could be assembled was also assessed by three therapists (Study 2). Finally, the satisfaction of 20 service users with a diagnosis of schizophrenia regarding their experience of using CIRCuiTS in the context of a course of the CR therapy was assessed in a qualitative interview study (study 4). Results: Ratings of perceived attractiveness, comprehensibility, acceptability and usability consistently exceeded pre-set high targets by non-clinical, clinical and therapist participants. Qualitative analysis of satisfaction with CIRCuiTS showed that receiving the therapy was generally seen to be a positive experience, leading to perceptions that cognitive functioning had improved and attempts to incorporate new strategy use into daily activities. Conclusions: CIRCuiTS demonstrates high acceptability and ease of use for both service users with a schizophrenia diagnosis and clinicians.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Callard, Professor Felicity
• Authors: Reeder, C., Pile, V., Crawford, P., Cella, M., Rose, D., Wykes, T., Watson, A., Huddy, V., and Callard, F.
• College/School: College of Science and Engineering > School of Geographical and Earth Sciences
• Journal Name: Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapy
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• ISSN: 1352-4658
• Published Online: 25 May 2015
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2015 British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies
• First Published: First published in Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapy 44(3): 288-305
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced under a Creative Commons License