Internal versus external motivation in referral of primary care patients with depression to an internet support group: randomized controlled trial

Benjamin W Van Voorhees, Robert C Hsiung, Monika Marko-Holguin, Thomas K Houston, Joshua Fogel, Royce Lee, Daniel E Ford, Benjamin W Van Voorhees, Robert C Hsiung, Monika Marko-Holguin, Thomas K Houston, Joshua Fogel, Royce Lee, Daniel E Ford

Abstract

Background: Depressive disorders and symptoms affect more than one-third of primary care patients, many of whom do not receive or do not complete treatment. Internet-based social support from peers could sustain depression treatment engagement and adherence. We do not know whether primary care patients will accept referral to such websites nor do we know which methods of referral would be most effective.

Objective: We conducted a randomized clinical trial to determine whether (1) a simple generic referral card (control), (2) a patient-oriented brochure that provided examples of online postings and experience (internal motivation), or (3) a physician letter of recommendation (external motivation) would generate the greatest participation in a primary care Internet depression treatment support portal focused around an Internet support group (ISG).

Methods: We used 3 offline methods to identify potential participants who had not used an ISG in the past 6 months. Eligibility was determined in part by a brief structured psychiatric interview based on the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). After consent and enrollment, participants were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 groups (control, internal motivation, or external motivation). We constructed a portal to connect primary care patients to both fact-based information and an established ISG (Psycho-Babble). The ISG allowed participants to view messages and then decide if they actually wished to register there. Participation in the portal and the ISG was assessed via automated activity tracking.

Results: Fifty participants were assigned to the 3 groups: a motivation-neutral control group (n=18), an internal motivation group (n=19), and an external motivation group (n=13). Of these participants, 31 (62%) visited the portal; 27 (54%) visited the ISG itself. The internal motivation group showed significantly greater participation than the control group on several measures. The external motivation group spent significantly less time logged onto the portal than the control group. The internal motivation group showed significantly greater participation than the external motivation group on several measures.

Conclusions: Referral of primary care patients with depressive disorders and symptoms to an ISG is feasible even if they have never previously used one. This may best be accomplished by enhancing their internal motivation.

Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT00886730.

Conflict of interest statement

Conflicts of Interest: Dr Van Voorhees operates a limited liability company, RISE Consulting, that provides know-how support for health technology companies. Dr Van Voorhees has served as a consultant for Prevail Health Solutions, Inc, Mevident Inc, Verimed Inc, and Social Kinetics, Inc. Dr Van Voorhees has also been a paid speaker/academic visitor at the University of Hong Kong, Chinese International School (Hong Kong), and Wuhan University. The University of Chicago has granted a no-cost license to Mevident, Inc to adapt the CATCH-IT intervention. Dr Van Voorhees has agreed to support the company working 5.5 days as consultant at $1000/day.

Dr Hsiung is the single member of Dr Bob LLC, which owns and operates the Psycho-Babble Internet support group. The net revenue of Dr Bob LLC is less than $1000/year.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
CONSORT diagram.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Screenshot of Psycho-Babble home page.

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