Understanding User Reactions and Interactions with an Internet-Based Intervention for Tinnitus Self-Management: Mixed-Methods Process Evaluation

Greenwell, Kate; Sereda, Magdalena; Coulson, Neil; Hoare, Derek J

Abstract

Background:

Tinnitus is a common symptom that can affect an individual’s quality of life, requiring psychological support that is not readily accessible. Internet-based interventions have the potential to reduce the disparity in access to psychological support that people with tinnitus currently experience. One example is the Tinnitus E-Programme, which was developed in the UK to support self-management in people with tinnitus. Although freely available online, it had not been formally evaluated.

Objective:

To carry out a process evaluation to explore past, current, and new users’ reactions and interactions with the Tinnitus E-Programme.

Methods:

Study 1 used an online survey to gather past and current users’ reactions to and interactions with the intervention (n=27). Study 2 used interviews and a relaxation log to explore this aim with new users and assess how well they were able to implement the skills they learned during the intervention in their everyday lives (n=13). Findings were triangulated to develop an in-depth understanding of the intervention’s mechanisms of impact and identify any implementation or contextual factors that strengthen or impede its delivery and functioning.

Results:

Generally, users expressed positive views of the Tinnitus E-Programme content and design features. Users particularly valued the education about tinnitus and its management, and relaxation skills training, whereas reactions and usage of the self-monitoring tools, online support forum, and therapist support were mixed. Implementation was limited by instances of poor usability and accessibility, user engagement, and adherence to relaxation goals. Users’ perceptions of the intervention’s credibility and relevance, and beliefs regarding the intervention’s negative impact on their tinnitus influenced their engagement with the intervention. Users in both studies identified several benefits gained from the intervention, including functional and emotional management; self-efficacy for managing and coping with tinnitus; understanding tinnitus and its management; social support; and acceptance of tinnitus.

Conclusions:

Findings suggest that acceptability was high among the target group but also highlighted some areas for improvement. These findings will be used to inform further development work.

Citation

Greenwell, K., Sereda, M., Coulson, N., & Hoare, D. J. (2016). Understanding User Reactions and Interactions with an Internet-Based Intervention for Tinnitus Self-Management: Mixed-Methods Process Evaluation

• Other Type: Other
• Online Publication Date: Mar 23, 2016
• Publication Date: Mar 23, 2016
• Deposit Date: Jun 6, 2019
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.2196/preprints.9279
• Public URL: https://nottingham-repository.worktribe.com/output/1856273
• Related Public URLs: https://preprints.jmir.org/preprint/9279
• Additional Information: Preprint