Bridging Intervention in Anaesthesiology: First results on treatment need, demand and utilization of an innovative psychotherapy program for surgical patients
Year: 2011
Type: article
Abstract: Background Bridging Intervention in Anaesthesiology (BRIA) is a stepped care approach of psychotherapy for surgical patients in preoperative anaesthesiological assessment clinics. The objectives of this feasibility study on BRIA were 1) to determine how many patients have clinically relevant psychological problems and interest in psychotherapy sessions; 2) to compare patients with and without interest in psychotherapy with regard to indicators of psychological distress; 3) to report on the first therapy outcomes. Methods In total, 4,568 consecutive patients participated in a computer assisted psychosocial self-assessment including a comprehensive battery of psychiatric screening tests. Patients with interest in psychotherapy were offered therapeutic sessions for up to 3 months that aimed primarily at motivating them for subsequent outpatient psycho- or addiction therapy. Results Clinically relevant psychological problems ranged from 7.5% (n=338) for illicit substance use to 38% (n=1698) for depressive states. 11.6% (n=529) of the patients were interested in psychotherapy sessions. Compared with patients without interest in psychotherapy, they showed statistically significantly higher rates of depression, anxiety, substance use disorders and general psychological distress. 3.2% (n=145) of the patients had one therapeutic session. Additional 3.2% (n=144) had at least two therapeutic sessions, of whom 37.5% (n=54) engaged in subsequent psychosocial treatment programs. Conclusion The high rate of clinically relevant psychological problems suggests considerable need for psychotherapy in surgical patients. Significant demand and utilization of treatment are reflected by approximately 12% of patients showing interest and over 6% participating in BRIA sessions, as well as a success rate of motivational interventions of more than 30%.
Institutions: Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Leipzig University
Language: English
Subfield: Social Psychology
Field: Psychology
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: bronze
OpenAlex ID: W2184485149