Abstract
INTRODUCTION: The transdiagnostic approach and Internet-based administration can help to implement evidence-based treatments for emotional disorders (ED). However, not all patients benefit from online format and dropout rates are high. Blended format combines the strengths of face-to-face and Internet self-applied interventions to help overcome these barriers. Group format can also help to overcome these difficulties and improve the cost-effectiveness binomial. This study aimed to analyze the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of a blended transdiagnostic group CBT for ED. METHODS: A single-group, open-trial design with three measurement points: pre-treatment, post-treatment and 3-month follow-up. A total of 34 adults (mean age = 32.21 years; 79.4 % female) from a community sample with at least one ED diagnosis according to DSM-5-TR criteria participated in the study. The intervention combined 8 group sessions delivered via videoconference with the completion of 16 online modules in a web-platform. RESULTS: Of the total participants, 67.6 % completed the treatment and another 14.7 % completed at least half of the modules and attended at least half of the group sessions. The expectations and satisfaction with the treatment were high (47.39 and 49.39 out of 60, respectively). The system usability was above desirable and around 'excellent' (84.02 out of 100 after the first use of the platform and 80.98 out of 100 at post-treatment). Opinions on the online modules and videoconference sessions were good. Participants completed an average of 12.91 online modules out of 16 and attended an average of 5.44 sessions out of 8. There was a significant reduction in anxious and depressive symptomatology at post-treatment and follow-up compared to baseline. There was also a significant change in other secondary clinical measures. CONCLUSIONS: A transdiagnostic protocol applied in blended and group formats seems to be feasible, acceptable and preliminary effective in addressing ED. However, more research is needed to test the efficacy of this innovative format.