ObjectivesFace-to-face mindfulness interventions have been shown to significantly decrease perceived stress, anxiety and depression and research is beginning to show similar benefits for such courses delivered via the internet. We investigated the feasibility and effectiveness of an online mindfulness course for perceived stress, anxiety and depression.DesignA follow-up investigation of an online mindfulness course. Previous research examining the change in perceived stress showed promising results. Measures of anxiety and depression were added to the online mindfulness course and these were investigated as well as perceived stress using a new, larger sample.ParticipantsParticipants (N=273) were self-referrals to the online course who completed the outcome measure immediately before the course, upon course completion and at 1 month follow-up.InterventionThe programme consists of 10 sessions, guided meditation videos and automated emails, with elements of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction and Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy, completed at a pace to suit the individual (minimum length 4 weeks).Primary and secondary outcome measuresThe Perceived Stress Scale, the Generalised Anxiety Disorder Assessment-7 and the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (for depression). Mindfulness practice was self-reported at automated time points upon login, once the exercises and sessions for each week were completed.ResultsPerceived stress, anxiety and depression significantly decreased at course completion and further decreased at 1 month follow-up, with effect sizes comparable to those found with face-to-face and other online mindfulness courses and to other types of intervention, such as cognitive behavioural therapy for stress. The amount of meditation practice reported did affect outcome when controlling for baseline severity.ConclusionsThe online mindfulness course appears to be an acceptable, accessible intervention which reduces stress, anxiety and depression. However, there is no control comparison and future research is required to assess the effects of the course for different samples.

ObjectivesStress has been shown to have a number of negative effects on health over time. Mindfulness interventions have been shown to decrease perceived stress but access to interventions is limited. Therefore, the effectiveness of an online mindfulness course for perceived stress was investigated.DesignA preliminary evaluation of an online mindfulness course.ParticipantsThis sample consisted of 100 self-referrals to the online course. The average age of participants was 48 years and 74% were women.InterventionsThe online programme consisted of modules taken from Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction and Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy and lasted for approximately 6 weeks.Primary and secondary outcome measuresParticipants completed the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) before the course, after the course and at 1-month follow-up. Completion of formal (eg, body scan, mindful movement) and informal (eg, mindful meal, noticing) mindfulness activities was self-reported each week.ResultsParticipation in the online mindfulness course significantly reduced perceived stress upon completion and remained stable at follow-up. The pre-post effect size was equivalent to levels found in other class-based mindfulness programmes. Furthermore, people who had higher PSS scores before the course reported engaging in significantly more mindfulness practice, which was in turn associated with greater decreases in PSS.ConclusionsBecause perceived stress significantly decreased with such limited exposure to mindfulness, there are implications for the accessibility of mindfulness therapies online. Future research needs to evaluate other health outcomes for which face-to-face mindfulness therapies have been shown to help, such as anxiety and depressive symptoms.

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This study evaluated the implementation of the Choice and Partnership Approach (CAPA), a clinical system designed to improve the management of demand and capacity within child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS). The study aimed to investigate how CAPA had been implemented within CAMHS in England, to explore the experiences of staff working within teams who had implemented the system, and to determine the benefits and challenges of implementing CAPA in practice.The evaluation was conducted in three phases: an initial screening survey was sent out to all CAMHS teams in England; a follow-up questionnaire was then sent to all teams implementing CAPA; and interviews and focus groups were then conducted with 62 service managers, clinicians and admin staff within six CAMHS teams who had implemented the system. A total of 213 screening questionnaires were completed, and 97 teams were identified as implementing CAPA; 57 of these teams completed follow-up questionnaires.The results showed that, if well managed and implemented, demand and capacity models such as CAPA appear to provide teams with structured, formal planning mechanisms. However, if implemented poorly and without adequate management, then these models could contribute to confusion and overworking amongst staff. This investigation found the presence of facilitative management to be absolutely crucial for successful implementation of models of demand and capacity.

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