Pandemic Times and the Experience of Online EMDR Practice in Greece: A Qualitative Study on Obstacles and Perspectives

Papanikolopoulos, Penny; Prattos, Tessa; Foundoulakis, Emmanouil

doi:10.1891/emdr-2021-0033

Cited by 3 publications

(1 citation statement)

References 14 publications

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“…The midwives also gained valuable skills in the use of Zoom videoconferencing technology including using the private chat function and breakout rooms. Technical skills are essential when delivering EMDR virtually and have been cited as a barrier to providing online EMDR (Papanikolopoulos et al, 2022). Through the case studies and supervision, the midwives developed their skills and became confident and competent in delivering EMDR online and face‐to‐face.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Exploratory pedagogical research of a bespoke eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing therapy training for midwives

McCullough,

Gillen,

Miller

et al. 2024

Mental Health Science

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Eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is a transdiagnostic, comprehensive, integrative, evidence‐based treatment intervention for post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), complex PTSD, and perinatal PTSD. PTSD can arise from an experience of pregnancy or birth related trauma. Despite this, there is limited availability and access to EMDR therapy within the United Kingdom National Health Service. EMDR is a psychotherapeutic intervention which is usually delivered by highly specialist mental health professionals. However, with such a robust protocol, it is appropriate to consider if other health professionals should be trained to deliver EMDR. Humanitarian trauma capacity‐building projects in a global context have shown that task shifting can assist with addressing unmet mental health therapy needs. Midwives are highly skilled graduates working in the perinatal period who understand that women's emotional health is as important as their physical health. Therefore, it was proposed that EMDR knowledge and skills could be efficiently task shifted to midwives. The aim and objectives were to train midwives to deliver modified EMDR scripted protocols and techniques and explore qualitative and quantitative outcomes of a bespoke EMDR for midwives (EMDR‐m) educational programme. The online training was delivered to the midwives over 4 days with clinical practicums incorporated throughout. Pre and post‐tests demonstrated an increase in their EMDR knowledge, skills and confidence. EMDR Group Supervision provided by three experienced EMDR Accredited Practitioners was mandatory for 6 weeks post‐training and ongoing one‐to‐one supervision was made available. Midwives scored the course 9.6/10 (range 8–10) and described it as ‘amazing’ and ‘invaluable’. Challenges for the future include ring‐fenced time and an appropriate space to deliver the therapy. Those midwives who completed the training have progressed to deliver early EMDR‐m interventions in a perinatal mental health research study in their own Health and Social Care Trust (reported elsewhere).

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Exploratory pedagogical research of a bespoke eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing therapy training for midwives

McCullough,

Gillen,

Miller

et al. 2024

Mental Health Science

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“Without it, I am not sure I would still be here”: a mixed methods service evaluation for online EMDR trauma therapy in a primary care network in England

Kaptan,

Dernedde,

Dowden

et al. 2023

Front. Psychiatry

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IntroductionPsychological services are typically offered via specialized mental health services, which are often overwhelmed with long waitlists. To address this need and provide patients with a service characterized by shorter waiting times and increased accessibility, online Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) was established in the North Norfolk 4 Primary Care Network.MethodsThis article presents this service’s collaborative funding, development and outcomes within local GP surgeries. It constitutes a mixed-method service evaluation encompassing the future of EMDR in primary care services. Additionally, it includes the assessment of anxiety, depression, and PTSD symptoms as well as work and social adjustment in a cohort of 83 patients alongside a Thematic Analysis involving eighteen patients and six GPs.ResultsThe evaluation showed high completion and attendance among service users. Quantitative scores combined with qualitative feedback from patients and practitioners highlight the potential impact of EMDR therapy on General Practice and its broader provision of trauma-focused therapies. The most significant improvements were observed in anxiety and depression scores. Thematic Analysis indicated that the patients found the service helpful, labeling it as a “life-saver.” They also discussed why they found the service effective; some also wished the service had been available earlier.DiscussionFindings underscore the potential of EMDR and online EMDR as an accessible and effective approach within primary care settings. The assessments showed an elevated level of access and attendance among service users. Therefore, it is recommended that timely EMDR services be extended through primary care networks.

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Addressing mental health need after COVID-19: a systematic review of remote EMDR therapy studies as an emerging option

Kaptan,

Kaya,

Akan

2024

Front. Psychiatry

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IntroductionThe COVID-19 pandemic has been associated with a substantial rise in mental health challenges, prompting a need for accessible and effective therapeutic interventions. This review summarizes the evidence on remote Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy delivered in response to the increased need.MethodsA systematic review was conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Databases including PsychINFO, EMBASE, MEDLINE, and Web of Science were searched to identify studies assessing the efficacy of EMDR therapy administered online.ResultsSixteen articles meeting the inclusion criteria were selected, involving 1,231 participants across various age groups. Studies covered remote individual and group EMDR sessions and self-administered computerized protocols. Findings indicate promising outcomes in reducing PTSD symptoms, anxiety, and depression.DiscussionThe analysis of the selected studies demonstrates the feasibility and potential efficacy of online EMDR as an accessible therapeutic option for addressing mental health difficulties, particularly during times of limited in-person interaction. However, the studies revealed limitations such as small sample sizes, absence of control groups, and reliance on self-reported measures.Systematic review registration: The present review was registered on “The International Database to Register Your Systematic Reviews” (INPLASY) with the registration number 2023120018 and DOI number 10.37766/inplasy2023.2.0068.

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Pandemic Times and the Experience of Online EMDR Practice in Greece: A Qualitative Study on Obstacles and Perspectives

Cited by 3 publications

References 14 publications

Exploratory pedagogical research of a bespoke eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing therapy training for midwives

Exploratory pedagogical research of a bespoke eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing therapy training for midwives

“Without it, I am not sure I would still be here”: a mixed methods service evaluation for online EMDR trauma therapy in a primary care network in England

Addressing mental health need after COVID-19: a systematic review of remote EMDR therapy studies as an emerging option

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