Redefining the relationship in digital care: A qualitative study of the Digital Therapeutic Alliance

Abstract

Digital therapeutic programs are emerging almost daily, offering the potential to reduce healthcare access inequalities by providing more flexible and accessible care options. However, as with traditional healthcare, the issue of patient engagement is fundamental, and the latest research have reported that fewer than 30% of users complete these programs in their entirety. Hence, many authors emphasize the importance of studying the role of therapeutic alliances specifically adapted to digital care. The therapeutic alliance encompasses the collaborative aspects of the relationship between the therapist and the patient. In this context there is a need to reconceptualize the alliance within the context of digital healthcare as it can enhance engagement, adherence, and the effectiveness of such treatments. The objective of this qualitative study was to identify the components of the digital therapeutic alliance. A thematic analysis has identified three major themes that appear to constitute the digital therapeutic alliance among 44 users of an online program: trust in the program, perception of interactions, and feeling of consideration. These results prompted a discussion of the challenges of digital healthcare, including the terminology to use. The term “digital therapeutic adherence” is proposed, thereby opening up a field for research and clarification of this important concept distinct from traditional alliance.