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Preliminary Evaluation of an Online Training Package in Cognitive Behaviour Therapy: Satisfaction Ratings and Impact on Knowledge and Confidence

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  28 November 2011

David Westbrook*
Affiliation:
Oxford Cognitive Therapy Centre, Warneford Hospital, UK
Freda McManus
Affiliation:
Oxford Cognitive Therapy Centre, and University of Oxford, Warneford Hospital, UK
Gavin Clark
Affiliation:
University of Reading, UK
James Bennett-Levy
Affiliation:
University of Sydney, Lismore, Australia
*
Reprint requests to David Westbrook, Oxford Cognitive Therapy Centre, Warneford Hospital, Oxford OX3 7JX, UK. E-mail: [email protected]

Abstract

Background: Online CBT training is in its infancy. The initial studies have varied program characteristics and trainee groups, but results appear promising. At this stage, there is a need to evaluate programs with different characteristics to determine which are useful, and which are not. Method: This paper reports a preliminary evaluation of an online CBT training package, OCTC Online, which is distinguished from other online programs by its particularly strong focus on video presentations by trainers, accompanying PowerPoint slides, and video demonstrations of key clinical techniques. Participants (N = 94) completed online rating scales and questionnaires assessing (a) their satisfaction with the training; (b) their self-rated knowledge and confidence about the topics discussed (pre- and post-training); and (c) a multiple choice questionnaire (MCQ) objective test of knowledge (also pre- and post-training). Results: Results showed that on average students were highly satisfied with the online training modules, their self-rated confidence increased significantly, and so did their scores on the MCQ. Conclusions: The study has significant limitations but nevertheless contributes to the growing body of evidence that online training may have a useful part to play in enhancing therapists’ knowledge of CBT theory and techniques, and their confidence in using the techniques.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies 2011

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