Preferences for e-Mental Health Interventions in Germany: A Discrete Choice Experiment

ObjectivesRecent evidence suggests that e-mental health interventions can be effective at improving mental but there is still a notable hesitation among patients to use them. Previous research has revealed they are perceived by as being less helpful than face-to-face psychotherapy. The reasons for this unfavorable perception are, however, not yet well understood. aim of our study was address question eliciting preferences individual components in discrete choice experiment.MethodsUsing stepwise qualitative approach, we developed the following 5 attributes eMHIs: introductory training, human contact, peer support, proven effectiveness, content delivery, and price. Additionally, asked questions about respondents’ demographics, attitudes, previous experience traditional psychotherapy, their distress level.ResultsA total 1984 respondents completed survey. Using mixed logit models, found personal contact with psychotherapist blended care, low price were highly valued participants. Participants indifferent toward mode delivery showed slight preference training via phone, support online forum alongside coach-led group meetings on site.DiscussionOur results suggest clear care includes psychotherapist. This remained stable irrespective sociodemographics, level, 2 context scenarios used experiment. Further investigations looking potential benefits risks needed.