A randomized controlled pilot study of CBT-I Coach: Feasibility, acceptability, and potential impact of a mobile phone application for patients in cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia

Erin Koffel, Eric Kuhn, Napoleon Petsoulis, Christopher R. Erbes, Samantha Anders, Julia E. Hoffman, Josef I. Ruzek, Melissa A. Polusny

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

76 Scopus citations

Abstract

There has been growing interest in utilizing mobile phone applications (apps) to enhance traditional psychotherapy. Previous research has suggested that apps may facilitate patients’ completion of cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) tasks and potentially increase adherence. This randomized clinical trial pilot study (n = 18) sought to examine the feasibility, acceptability, and potential impact on adherence and sleep outcomes related to CBT-I Coach use. All participants were engaged in CBT-I, with one group receiving the app as a supplement and one non-app group. We found that patients consistently used the app as intended, particularly the sleep diary and reminder functions. They reported that it was highly acceptable to use. Importantly, the app did not compromise or undermine benefits of cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia and patients in both groups had significantly improved sleep outcomes following treatment.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)3-13
Number of pages11
JournalHealth Informatics Journal
Volume24
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Mar 1 2018

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© 2016, © The Author(s) 2016.

Keywords

  • cognitive behavior therapy
  • computer applications
  • insomnia
  • mobile devices
  • psychotherapy

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