Introduction Cost-effectiveness evaluations of psychological interventions, such as internet-delivered cognitive behavioural therapy (iCBT) programmes, in patients with cardiovascular disease (CVD) are rare. We recently reported moderate to large effect sizes on depressive symptoms in CVD outpatients following a 9-week iCBT programme compared with an online discussion forum (ODF), in favour of iCBT. In this paper, we evaluate the cost-effectiveness of this intervention.

Methods Cost-effectiveness analysis of a randomised controlled trial. The EQ-5D-3L was used to calculate quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs). Data on healthcare costs were retrieved from healthcare registries.

Results At 12-month follow-up, the QALY was significantly higher in iCBT compared with the ODF group (0.713 vs 0.598, p=0.007). The mean difference of 0.115 corresponds with 42 extra days in best imaginable health status in favour of the iCBT group over the course of 1 year. Incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) for iCBT versus ODF was euro18 865 per QALY saved. The cost-effectiveness plane indicated that iCBT is a cheaper and more effective intervention in 24.5% of the cases, and in 75% a costlier and more effective intervention than ODF. Only in about 0.5% of the cases, there was an indication of a costlier, but less effective intervention compared with ODF.

Conclusions The ICER of euro18 865 was lower than the cost-effectiveness threshold range of euro23 400-euro35 100 as proposed by the NICE guidelines, suggesting that the iCBT treatment of depressive symptoms in patients with CVD is cost-effective.

BACKGROUND: Internet-based cognitive behavioural treatment (iCBT) has shown positive short-term effects on depression in patients with cardiovascular disease (CVD). However, knowledge regarding long-term effects and factors that may impact the effect of iCBT is lacking.

AIMS: This study therefore sought (i) to evaluate the effect of iCBT on depression in CVD patients at 6- and 12-month follow-ups and (ii) to explore factors that might impact on the effect of iCBT on change in depression at 12-month follow-up.

METHODS AND RESULTS: A longitudinal follow-up study of a randomized controlled trial evaluating the effects of a 9-week iCBT programme compared to an online discussion forum (ODF) on depression in CVD patients (n = 144). After 9 weeks, those in the ODF group were offered the chance to take part in the iCBT programme. The Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) and the Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale-self-rated version (MADRS-S) measured depression at baseline, 9 weeks, 6 months, and 12 months. Linear mixed model and multiple regression analysis were used for statistical computing. The iCBT programme significantly improved depression at 9-week follow-up and this was stable at 6- and 12-month follow-ups (PHQ-9 P = 0.001, MADRS-S P = 0.001). Higher levels of depression at baseline and a diagnosis of heart failure were factors found to impact the effect of iCBT on the change in depression.

CONCLUSION: A 9-week iCBT programme in CVD patients led to long-term improvement in depression. Higher levels of depression scores at baseline were associated with improvement in depression, whereas heart failure had opposite effect.

CLINICAL TRIAL: The trial is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02778074.

Background: In patients with cardiovascular disease (CVD), knowledge about the associations among changes in depressivesymptoms, self-efficacy, and self-care activities has been requested. This is because such knowledge can be helpful in the designof behavioral interventions aimed to improve self-efficacy, reduce depressive symptoms, and improve performance of self-careactivities in CVD patients.

Objective: We aim to evaluate if internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy (iCBT) improves self-efficacy and explore therelationships among changes in depressive symptoms, self-efficacy, and physical activity, as well as the influence of iCBT onthese relationships.

Methods: This study received funding in January 2015. Participant recruitment took place between January 2017 and February2018, and the main findings were published in 2019. This study is a secondary analysis of data collected in a randomized controlledstudy evaluating the effects of a 9-week iCBT program compared to an online discussion forum (ODF) on depressive symptomsin patients with CVD (N=144). Data were collected at baseline and at the 9-week follow-up. Analysis of covariance was used toevaluate the differences in self-efficacy between the iCBT and ODF groups. Structural equation modeling explored the relationshipsamong changes in depressive symptoms, self-efficacy, and physical activity, as well as the influence of iCBT on these relationships.

Results: At follow-up, a significant difference in the increase in self-efficacy favoring iCBT was found (P=.04, Cohen d=0.27).We found an indirect association between changes in depressive symptoms and physical activity (ß=–.24, P<.01), with the changein self-efficacy acting as a mediator. iCBT had a direct effect on the changes in depressive symptoms, which in turn influencedthe changes in self-efficacy (ß=.23, P<.001) and physical activity (ß=.12, P<.001).

Conclusions: Self-efficacy was improved by iCBT. However, the influence of iCBT on self-efficacy and physical activity wasmostly mediated by improvements in depressive symptoms.Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02778074; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02778074

This study reports the process and preliminary findings of rapid implementation oftelegenetic counseling in the context of Swedish healthcare and COVID-19 pandemic,from both a patient and a provider perspective. Fourty-nine patients and 6 healthcareprofessionals were included in this feasibility study of telegenetic counseling in aregional Department of Clinical Genetics in Sweden. Telegenetic counseling is heredefined as providing genetic counseling to patients by video (n =30) or telephone (n= 19) appointments. Four specific feasibility aspects were considered: acceptability,demand, implementation, and preliminary efficacy. Several measures were used includingthe Genetic Counseling Outcome Scale 24 (collected pre- and post-counseling); theTelehealth Usability Questionnaire; a short study specific evaluation and Visiba Careevaluations, all collected post-counseling. The measures were analyzed with descriptivestatistics and the preliminary results show a high level of acceptance and demand, fromboth patients and providers. Results also indicate successful initial implementation in theregional Department of Clinical Genetics and preliminary efficacy, as shown by significantclinically important improvement in patients’ empowerment levels.

We compare the prevalence of somatization in women and men with NCCP in relation to the general Swedish population, analyze the overlap between somatization, cardiac anxiety, and depressive symptoms, and explore variables associated with somatization. A cross sectional design is implemented with data collected between late October 2013 and early January 2014 from 552 patients with NCCP (mean age of 64 ​± ​17 years, 51% women) from four hospitals in southeast Sweden. Somatization was measured with the Patient Health Questionnaire-15, cardiac anxiety with the Cardiac Anxiety Questionnaire, and depressive symptoms with the Patient Health Questionnaire-9. Data were self-reported. The general population consists of 1898 females and 1508 males. Compared to the general population, somatization was significantly (p ​< ​.001) more common in both women and men with NCCP. Women with NCCP had significantly (p ​= ​.003) higher prevalence of somatization than men with NCCP. In patients with NCCP, 12% had only somatization, whereas 39% also reported cardiac anxiety and depressive symptoms. Younger age in women tended to be associated with somatization (OR ​= ​0.98, p ​< ​.073), but also being non-worker (OR ​= ​0.40, p ​= ​.024). In men, somatization tended to be associated with increased healthcare contacts (OR ​= ​1.82, p ​= ​.051). Furthermore, in both women and men, number of co-morbidities (OR ​= ​9.69 p ​< ​.001 and OR ​= ​3.45, p ​= ​.002), cardiac anxiety (OR ​= ​2.93 and OR ​= ​2.09, p ​< ​.001), and depressive symptoms (OR ​= ​8.71 and OR ​= ​4.44, p ​< ​.001) were significantly associated with somatization. Our study demonstrates that somatization is very common among patients with NCCP, especially in women. Patients with NCCP have higher somatization and greater overlap with psychological distress compared to the general population.

Objectives: The study aimed to explore and describe patients’ experiences of the transplantation process and the support they had received during the waiting time.

Method: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 14 patients currently waiting for kidney transplantation from deceased donors (n = 7) or recently having received kidney transplantation (n = 7). Interviews were transcribed, anonymized and analysed inductively using thematic analysis.

Results: Two themes and seven sub-themes were identified. The first theme, “Swaying between hope and despair” describes patients’ perceptions of waiting for transplantation as a struggle, their expectations for life after the upcoming transplantation and experienced disappointments. The second theme, “Making your way through the waiting time”, describes support, strategies and behaviours used to manage the waiting time.

Conclusion: Patients described life while waiting for kidney transplantation as challenging, involving unexpected events, not understanding the transplantation process and having unrealistic expectations on life after transplantation. They also described support, strategies and behaviours used, some of which led to unwanted consequences.

Practice implications: Patients waiting for kidney transplantation from deceased donors need continuous and easily available education, practical and emotional support to manage the waiting time. Transplantation specific education is also needed to facilitate preparation for transplantation and adjustment to life after transplantation.

BACKGROUND: Internet cognitive behavioural therapy (iCBT) is a viable delivery format of CBT for depression. However, iCBT programmes include training in a wide array of cognitive and behavioural skills via different delivery methods, and it remains unclear which of these components are more efficacious and for whom.

METHODS: We did a systematic review and individual participant data component network meta-analysis (cNMA) of iCBT trials for depression. We searched PubMed, PsycINFO, Embase, and the Cochrane Library for randomised controlled trials (RCTs) published from database inception to Jan 1, 2019, that compared any form of iCBT against another or a control condition in the acute treatment of adults (aged ≥18 years) with depression. Studies with inpatients or patients with bipolar depression were excluded. We sought individual participant data from the original authors. When these data were unavailable, we used aggregate data. Two independent researchers identified the included components. The primary outcome was depression severity, expressed as incremental mean difference (iMD) in the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) scores when a component is added to a treatment. We developed a web app that estimates relative efficacies between any two combinations of components, given baseline patient characteristics. This study is registered in PROSPERO, CRD42018104683.

FINDINGS: We identified 76 RCTs, including 48 trials contributing individual participant data (11 704 participants) and 28 trials with aggregate data (6474 participants). The participants' weighted mean age was 42·0 years and 12 406 (71%) of 17 521 reported were women. There was suggestive evidence that behavioural activation might be beneficial (iMD -1·83 [95% credible interval (CrI) -2·90 to -0·80]) and that relaxation might be harmful (1·20 [95% CrI 0·17 to 2·27]). Baseline severity emerged as the strongest prognostic factor for endpoint depression. Combining human and automated encouragement reduced dropouts from treatment (incremental odds ratio, 0·32 [95% CrI 0·13 to 0·93]). The risk of bias was low for the randomisation process, missing outcome data, or selection of reported results in most of the included studies, uncertain for deviation from intended interventions, and high for measurement of outcomes. There was moderate to high heterogeneity among the studies and their components.

INTERPRETATION: The individual patient data cNMA revealed potentially helpful, less helpful, or harmful components and delivery formats for iCBT packages. iCBT packages aiming to be effective and efficient might choose to include beneficial components and exclude ones that are potentially detrimental. Our web app can facilitate shared decision making by therapist and patient in choosing their preferred iCBT package.

FUNDING: Japan Society for the Promotion of Science.

BACKGROUND: Depressive symptoms are common in patients with cardiovascular disease (CVD) and are associated with a poorer quality of life and prognosis. Despite the high prevalence and negative consequences, the recognition of depressive symptoms is low. More knowledge about patients' perceptions of how depressive symptoms are addressed by healthcare professionals is therefore needed.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to explore the experiences of patients with CVD of how healthcare professionals address and manage depressive symptoms in clinical cardiac care encounters.

METHODS: A qualitative, semistructured interview study was performed. Data were analyzed using inductive thematic analysis.

RESULTS: In total, 20 patients with CVD previously treated for depressive symptoms were included (mean age, 62 [range, 34-79] years; 45% women). Three main themes emerged: (1) "not being seen as a whole person," (2) "denying depressive symptoms," and (3) "being provided with help." The patients perceived that healthcare professionals mainly focused on somatic symptoms and disregarded their need for help for depressive symptoms when patients raised the issue. Some patients stated that they received help for depressive symptoms, but this depended on the patients' own ability to communicate their needs and/or having social support that could alert them to the importance of doing so. Patients also described that they downplayed the burden of depressive symptoms and/or did not recognize themselves as having depressive symptoms.

CONCLUSION: Depressive symptoms were overlooked in patients with CVD, and psychological needs had not been met. A good ability to address needs and having good social support were useful for receiving help with depressive symptoms.

BACKGROUND: Patients with chronic heart failure may require treatment of depressive symptoms to improve self-care behaviour.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the impact of internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) on self-care behaviour in heart failure patients, and to study the association between changes in depressive symptoms and changes in self-care behaviour.

DESIGN: A secondary analysis of data collected in a pilot randomized controlled study.

SETTING: 50 heart failure patients with depressive symptoms were recruited from four hospitals in Sweden.

METHODS: Patients were randomized to nine weeks of internet-based CBT (n = 25) or to an active control group participating in an online discussion forum (n = 25). In week two and three, those in the internet-based CBT group worked with psychoeducation about heart failure and depression, emphasizing heart failure self-care. During the same weeks those in the on-line discussion forum specifically discussed heart failure self-care. Patient Health Questionnaire-9 was used to measure depressive symptoms at baseline and at the nine-week follow-up. The European Heart Failure Self-care Behaviour Scale-9 was used to measure self-care behaviour (i.e., the summary score and the subscales autonomous based, provider based and consulting behaviour) at baseline, and at the three-week and nine-week follow-ups.

RESULTS: No significant differences were found in self-care between the patients in the internet-based CBT and the patients in the online discussion group at the three- and nine-week follow-up. Within-group analysis of the changes in the European Heart Failure Self-care Behaviour Scale showed that from baseline to week three, the summary score increased significantly for the online discussion group (p = 0.04), but not for the internet-based CBT group (p = 0.15). At the nine-week follow-up, these scores had decreased. Similarly, consulting behaviour improved at week three for the online discussion group (p = 0.04), but not for the internet-based CBT group (p = 0.22). Provider-based adherence at the nine-week follow-up had increased from baseline in the internet-based CBT group (p = 0.05) whereas it had decreased in the on-line discussion group. Improvement in symptoms of depression was significantly associated with improvement in autonomy-based self-care (r = 0.34, p = 0.03).

CONCLUSION: Improvement in depressive symptoms was associated with improved autonomous-based self-care. ICBT for depression in HF may benefit aspects of self-care that are vital to improve symptoms and prognosis.