Intervention Planning for the Tinnitus E-Programme 2.0, an Internet-Based Cognitive Behavioral Intervention for Tinnitus

Greenwell, Kate; Sereda, Magdalena; Bradbury, Katherine; Geraghty, Adam W. A.; Coulson, Neil S.; Hoare, Derek J.

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to comprehensively describe the intervention planning process for the Tinnitus E-Programme 2.0, an Internet-based cognitive behavioral intervention for tinnitus.

Method: Theory-, evidence-, and person-based approaches to intervention development were used. In Phase 1, quantitative systematic reviews were used to identify potentially effective intervention techniques and design features. Primary mixed-methods research involving adults with tinnitus explored the acceptability of the first version of the intervention. In Phase 2, person-based guiding principles highlighted key intervention design objectives and features to address needs of the intervention’s target group (identified in Phase 1) to maximize its acceptability, feasibility of delivery, and effectiveness. Theory-based “behavioral analysis” and “logic modeling” comprehensively described intervention content and potential mechanisms of action. From this planning work, a prototype intervention was developed.

Results: The intervention design objectives outlined in the guiding principles were to (a) normalize tinnitus, (b) support users to maintain a regular relaxation practice, (c) minimize the worsening of users’ tinnitus sensation, and (d) ensure the intervention is accessible to those with hearing loss. Behavioral analysis and logic modeling identified intervention processes (e.g., illness perceptions, beliefs about consequences, skills, goals) and purported mediators (acceptance of tinnitus, negative thinking, use of the cognitive skills tools for managing negative thoughts, and practicing regular relaxation) hypothesized to facilitate reductions in tinnitus symptom severity.

Conclusions: The guiding principles highlight key design objectives and features to consider when developing interventions for tinnitus. The logic model offers hypothesized mechanisms of action that can be tested in future process analyses.

Citation

Greenwell, K., Sereda, M., Bradbury, K., Geraghty, A. W. A., Coulson, N. S., & Hoare, D. J. (2021). Intervention Planning for the Tinnitus E-Programme 2.0, an Internet-Based Cognitive Behavioral Intervention for Tinnitus. American Journal of Audiology, 30(2), 241-254. https://doi.org/10.1044/2021_AJA-20-00131

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Feb 15, 2021
• Online Publication Date: May 26, 2021
• Publication Date: Jun 14, 2021
• Deposit Date: Jul 22, 2021
• Publicly Available Date: Nov 27, 2021
• Journal: American Journal of Audiology
• Print ISSN: 1059-0889
• Electronic ISSN: 1558-9137
• Publisher: American Speech Language Hearing Association
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 30
• Issue: 2
• Pages: 241-254
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1044/2021_AJA-20-00131
• Keywords: Speech and Hearing
• Public URL: https://nottingham-repository.worktribe.com/output/5619547
• Publisher URL: https://pubs.asha.org/doi/10.1044/2021_AJA-20-00131