Date on Paper

8-2019

Document Type

Doctoral Paper

Degree Name

D.N.P.

Department

Nursing

Committee Chair

Ruth Staten

Committee Member

Mary-Beth Coty

Author's Keywords

bipolar disorder, psychoeducation, quality of life, online, Internet, telehealth, telepsychiatry, mood disorder

Abstract

Problem Statement: Bipolar disorder (BD) is a chronic mental disorder that can negatively affect an individual’s quality of life (QoL). Psychoeducation (PE) programs are an evidence-based psychosocial adjunct, recommended by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) for the treatment of BD. However, the majority of individuals with BD are not given access to formal PE programs.

Purpose: An online PE program was implemented at three outpatient local mental health settings in order to increase access to PE for adults with BD. The World Health Organization Quality of Life brief (WHOQOL-BREF) scale was used to assess the intervention’s impact on subjective QoL ratings. The Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire (Brief IPQ) was used to assess participants’ cognitive and emotional perceptions of BD.

Methods: A pretest-posttest design was used. Participants completed an evidence-based, eight-module online PE intervention entitled Beating Bipolar. After an in-person introduction to the intervention, the modules were completed either independently or onsite at a community mental health clinic.

Analysis: The WHOQOL-BREF and the Brief IPQ outcome measures were administered pre- and post-intervention. After completing the intervention, participants provided feedback related to the intervention process. Statistical analysis was not completed due to limited project participation (n = 2).

Significance: Online programs may be a valuable tool in increasing access to PE, however further efforts are needed on how to best translate RCT findings in actual clinical settings.

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