Online support system for students in higher education: Proof-of-concept study

Abstract

BackgroundProviding support to the increasing numbers of students facing mental health difficulties in higher education (HE) can be difficult due to stigma or lack of resources. Alternative and/or complementary sources of support are needed, such as online interventions that are recognised for their therapeutic value and cost-effectiveness.ObjectivesWe aim to provide evidence supporting the conceptual and practical value of a newly developed online multimedia intervention system for HE students who face mild to moderate symptoms of anxiety and depression and study-skills difficulties.MethodsStudents from five universities were invited to participate in a cross-sectional proof-of-concept study. Students were invited through the universities’ internal communication channels. Following demonstration of each part of the system, students completed a survey with quantitative and qualitative questions.ResultsResponse was largely positive. Positive responses on the features of the questionnaire ranged between 65% and 86%; on the features of the workshops ranged between 57% and 91%; on ‘My place’ ranged between 65% and 79%; on the animated videos ranged between 79% and 92%; and on the overall system ranged between 78% and 89%. Participants indicated areas for improvement and ways in which such improvement could be accomplished; these then guided the development of the system.ConclusionsThe results confirm the need for such a system. It can complement student support services (SSS) by dealing with cases with mild to moderate difficulties, hence allowing SSS to prioritise and effectively address more severe cases. Potentially this method can provide a meaningful alternative to SSS; this is worth investigating further.

Exploring the feasibility and acceptability of the contents, design, and functionalities of an online intervention promoting mental health, wellbeing, and study skills in Higher Education students

“…Findings demonstrated a demand and space in the market for an online system, and they further highlighted student needs and system requirements. iConcipio was awarded a Proof of Concept Grant (Smart Award) which allowed a beta version of MePlusMe to be constructed to demonstrate the system during a proof-of-concept study [53]. With the help of a cohort of 873 students from five UK HEI (King’s College London, University of Warwick, University of Edinburgh, Bournemouth University, and University of Roehampton) the proof-of-concept study confirmed the conceptual and practical value (suitability) of MePlusMe.…”

A review of web-based support systems for students in higher education

“…They also specified that it should be interactive and personal, with techniques to support time and money management, relaxation, and social skills. A proof-of-concept study was subsequently conducted, to support the conceptual and practical value of the system among students at five UK HEIs [ 26 ]. Students were largely positive in response to the system, but the study highlighted areas for improvement, which were incorporated into the subsequent development of the system.…”

Survey to Inform the Development of an Online Support System for Higher Education Students <br>—Higher Education and Online Support

“…It is clear that they would like the system to be interactive and personalised, focusing on time and money management, and building social skills. The feedback provided by the students has informed further development of the proposed online support system such that it meets the needs and preferences of its intended users [19]. This was further supported by a review of currently available systems to address continued unmet need and desirable features [10].…”

“…A proof-of-concept study invited students from five UK universities to test a demonstration of each part of the proposed system [19]. This study found that responses from students were largely positive, although some areas for improvement were highlighted.…”