A Qualitative Study Exploring the Experience and Value of Flow Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) and Behaviour Therapy Training Software Used at Home for Community Mental Health Team (CMHT) Patients with Symptoms of Depression
Background: Flow FL-100 is a self-administered
transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) device with evidence of
effectiveness in treating symptoms of depression. The Flow intervention also
provides access to software application delivered wellbeing
behaviour therapy training. Flow was offered by a community
mental health team (CMHT) to those who experienced depressive symptoms.
Participants completed six weeks use of Flow. This study explored participants’ experiences and views on
feasibility, acceptability, useability, and value of Flow. Methods: A
qualitative methodological approach was employed, involving in-depth
semi-structured interviews. Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) was
applied. Out of a sample of 27 participants using Flow, 14 participants, seven
females and seven males consented to be interviewed. The age range was
21-63 years (M = 40.21, SD = 13.99).Results:
There was support for the feasibility, acceptability, useability and value of
Flow. Most participants used Flow as per standard protocol and described a
positive impact on depressive symptoms, mood, motivation, and functioning.
Conclusion: Flow has been successfully integrated into a CMHT depression
treatment. It is important to offer CMHT patients an evidenced-backed alternative to
existing depression treatments (anti-depressant medication and
psychotherapies). The results support the use of Flow as a treatment option for
CMHT patients with symptoms of depression.
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