Internet-based self-management interventions : Quality criteria for their use in prevention and treatment of mental disorders

Abstract

Internet-based self-management interventions are effective in the prevention and treatment of mental disorders; however, for those affected as well as treating clinicians and decision makers in the healthcare sector, it is difficult to identify safe and effective interventions. Development of quality criteria for self-management interventions. Based on anon-specific assessment matrix, atask force from two scientific societies formulated specific quality criteria for self-management interventions for mental disorders. Patients and other relevant stakeholders were involved in the process. Atotal of 8key criteria with 17subordinate points were developed. These must be met for the certification of an intervention. The criteria focus on therapeutic quality requirements, patient safety, data protection and security as well as proof of efficacy in at least one randomized study. Afurther five criteria are only descriptive and are not required for certification. These quality criteria serve as astarting point for the establishment of acertification process. This could help to make internet-based self-management interventions for mental disorders part of routine care in the German healthcare system.