Project information
Doctoral student
Dan Bengtsson
Supervisor
Fredrik Falkenström
Assistant supervisors
Viktor Kaldo
Participant organizations
Linnéuniversitetet, Region Stockholm
Financiers
-
Timetable
221020 - 270101
Subject
Clinical psychology (Department of Psychology, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences)
Research group
Department of Clinical Psychology
Research project
Identifying the Active Ingredients of psychotherapy: A Methods development project (AIM)
More about the project
Bridging the gap between research and practice - a data-driven approach to personalized psychological treatment
Psychological treatment is a dynamic field with a multitude of effective treatment modalities. However, a persistent gap exists between research and clinical practice, where the systematic collection and utilization of patient data remains underutilized. While routine assessments are common, the valuable information they provide is often not fully leveraged to optimize treatment outcomes.
This project aims to enhance psychological treatment by seamlessly integrating patient data collection into routine clinical practice, fostering a data-driven and personalized approach to treatment. By harnessing the power of existing measures, real-time Ecological Momentary Assessment (EMA) data, and relevant patient characteristics, we can generate clinically meaningful benchmarks and develop predictive models for treatment outcomes.
The power of data in psychological treatment
Research has consistently demonstrated that even simple measures of treatment progress can significantly enhance outcomes. The act of monitoring and openly discussing progress with patients not only fosters a sense of accountability but also empowers both clinicians and patients to make informed adjustments to treatment plans. By embracing transparency and data-driven decision-making, we can ensure quality assurance in psychological treatment while simultaneously unlocking opportunities for continuous improvement.
Ecological momentary assessment (EMA - real-time data for increased patient engagement and personalized treatment
Ecological momentary assessment (EMA) is an innovative method that enables real-time monitoring of patients' well-being and progress. By integrating modern digital technology, such as mobile apps, patients can regularly, for example weekly, report their symptoms, well-being, and experiences directly in their daily lives. This continuous data collection provides a more nuanced and detailed picture of the patient's condition compared to traditional, more sporadic assessments.
Research has shown that EMA is a reliable and valid method for measuring psychological and behavioral changes over time. By capturing fluctuations in the patient's well-being, EMA can help clinicians identify patterns and triggers that may affect treatment outcomes. This information can then be used to tailor treatment plans and provide more personalized support. Additionally, EMA has been shown to increase patient engagement and motivation in the treatment process.
Predictive modeling - paving the way for proactive and preventive care
By analyzing the vast amounts of data collected through routine assessments, EMA, and patient characteristics, we can develop sophisticated predictive models that can forecast treatment outcomes with a high degree of accuracy. These models can help clinicians identify individuals who may be at risk of relapse or treatment failure, allowing for early intervention and proactive adjustments to care plans. Furthermore, predictive models can inform the development of preventive interventions that can mitigate the risk of mental health problems before they arise.
The future of psychological treatment - data-driven, personalized, and empowering
This project has the potential to significantly advance psychological treatment, where data is not merely collected but actively utilized to inform and enhance every aspect of the patient journey. By embracing a data-driven approach, we can bridge the gap between research and practice, personalize treatment plans, and empower both clinicians and patients to achieve optimal mental health outcomes.
The doctoral project is performed within the Department of Clinical Psychology (webpage in Swedish) and is part of the research project Identifying the Active Ingredients of psychotherapy: A Methods development project (AIM)
