Our previous randomized trial (Sitnikova e.a.) showed short-term a cognitive-behavioural therapy (ALK-CBT) delivered by mental health nurse practitioners (POH-GGZ in Dutch) in general practice to be cost-effective. To enhance personalized implementation of this therapy in daily practice, we took a participatory action research approach to further develop the ALK-CBT protocol into a practical guidance for general practitioners (GPs) and POH-GGZ.
The PEPTALK project included 8 general practices and 11 POH-GGZ who participated in 5 to 6 co-creation sessions. In these sessions they systematically shared their feedback on the ALK-CGT treatment protocol and their experience in applying it in practice. Furthermore, we undertook semi-structured interviews and a focus group with 8 ALK patients.
The resulting co-created practical guide for general practitioners and POH GGZ now covers two parts. The first deals with the organization of this ALK care in general practice, e.g. background information on ALK, agreement on the ALK target group, communication and collaboration between GPs and POH-GGZ. It contains a checklist for work agreements between GPs and POH-GGZ about ALK care.The second part provides the ALK-CGT treatment itself and ways to personalize this, i.e. adapted to the local context and the skills and needs of the patient, including printable hand-outs and worksheets for patients.
For further information, please contact Pauline Slottje at p.slottje@amsterdamumc.nl.