Fast-track evaluation and implementation of a novel online self-guided psychological intervention Covid-19 worry
| Reference number | |
| Coordinator | Karolinska Institutet - Department of Clinical Neuroscience |
| Funding from Vinnova | SEK 1 000 000 |
| Project duration | May 2020 - October 2020 |
| Status | Completed |
| Venture | Innovations to mitigate the crisis |
| Call | Finding new ways in the time of a crisis |
Important results from the project
All milestones with the current project have been accomplished. The online intervention “Tackle dysfunctional COVID-19 worry” has been developed by the research team. We have subsequently made a scientific test of the intervention; 670 swedes with dysfunctional COVID-19 worry were randomized to intervention or to waiting-list control group. The interim analysis indicated positive results which led to fast implementation for all citizens in the Stockholm region. The intervention is currently implemented in other regions in Sweden and also internationally.
Expected long term effects
The main pre-specified intention-to-treat analysis indicated significant reductions in COVID-19-related worry for the intervention group compared to the waiting list (40% reduction vs. 17%). Improvements were also seen on mood, daily functioning, insomnia, and intolerance of uncertainty. Participant satisfaction was high. No serious adverse events. The program was implemented in regular health care (1177) during august and hundreds of citizens have been included. The intervention is currently implemented in other regions in Sweden and also internationally.
Approach and implementation
As a first step, we developed the intervention “Tackle dysfunctional COVID-19 worry”. Subsequently, 670 adults from the Swedish general population reporting daily uncontrollable worry about COVID-19 and its possible consequences (e.g., illness, death, the economy, one’s family) were randomised to intervention or waiting list of equal duration. The interim analysis indicated positive results which gave us green light to implement the intervention in regular health care (1177). We are currently planning to benchmark the effects also when implemented in regular health care.