Does technology-based interventions in psychosis improved functioning and quality of life? A systematic review and meta-analysis

Resumen

IntroductionTechnology-based interventions (TBIs), including computer and Internet-based interventions, mobile interventions, health applications, social media interventions, and interventions using technological devices, could become a useful, effective, accessible, and cost-effective approach (Berry et al., 2016; Firth, 2016) to complement conventional interventions for psychosisObjectivesto compare TBIs with conventional interventions for psychosis, focusing mainly on functioning and quality of life.MethodsThe systematic review preceding this work was based on 58 RCT of TBIs for psychosis. We selected the studies that analyzed functioning (N = 23) and quality of life (N = 15). We calculated the standardized mean change (SMC) and applied a three-level model because there were several effect sizes within the same study.ResultsThere were significant differences between TBIs and conventional interventions for functioning (d = 0.25, SE = 0.09, z = 2.72, p = <.01), but not for quality of life (d = 0.14, SE = 0.08, z = 1.78, p = .076) in patients with psychosis.ConclusionsOn average, patients who received TBIs performed better in functioning, but not in quality of life. Functioning is impaired in patients with psychosis, so TBIs should be considered a complement and efficacious intervention, highlighting the power of these type of interventions in improving some outcomes.