Table 1 Themes and Subthemes
Key theme | Facilitator | Barrier |
|---|---|---|
Study instruction materials | Paper-based information: sufficient, well prepared, easy to understand, mainly used for review and repetition of topics | Paper-based information: too complex, limited time resources |
Digital information: general satisfaction with the materials, including the interpersonal helpdesk provided by Embloom | Digital information: time-consuming, too text-heavy, access and log-in difficulties, lack of training | |
| Â | Overall: lack of collegial exchange, limited human interaction | |
Individual components of the treatment program | Combination of face-to-face consultation and online platform was most helpful, structured approach of the treatment program enabled regularity and continuity, and increased openness among patients | Patient screening results were not always in agreement with previous diagnosis |
New responsibility for MAs was monitoring phone calls, which provided continuous patient care without direct involvement of the GP | Patients felt unsupported in performing anxiety exercises independently at home, and standardized/repeated questions reduced patient attention and reflection during monitoring phone calls | |
Practicality | MAs’ professional skills and their role as a central point of contact for patients in order to support GPs and ensure the implementation and feasibility of the study | Time-consuming organization and planning of monitoring telephone calls and GP consultations, limited time, personnel and spatial resources |
Target population | No age limit; suitable for patients with mild or moderate depression and for patients’ waiting for psychotherapeutic treatment; conscientiousness; technical expertise available | Unsuitable for older patients, and those with negative attitudes towards technological tools |
Benefits of the treatment program | Free and low-threshold access to online platform, remote utilization, easy entry into therapy, strengthening the MA-patient relationship, and empowering patient engagement in self-care | Use of online platform by itself is insufficient, in-person conversations are preferred, and not everyone is capable of using online applications |