Effectiveness and feasibility of internet-based and mobile-based interventions for individuals experiencing bereavement: a systematic review protocol

INTRODUCTION: Internet-based and mobile-based interventions (IMIs) provide an innovative and efficient self-management tool for mental health problems. This systematic review aims to summarise and critically evaluate studies addressing the effectiveness and feasibility of IMIs for normal and complicated grief in bereaved adults. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: The databases MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, PsycINFO, Embase and Web of Science and Google Scholar (for ‘grey’ literature) will be systematically searched for feasibility studies or randomised controlled trials of IMIs for bereaved adults who were experiencing normal/complicated grief. Data will be extracted and evaluated independently by two reviewers from studies eligible for inclusion. Quality of evidence will be assessed, and results will be synthesised qualitatively and pooled meta-analytically, if sufficient outcome data are available. Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses standards and Grades of Recommendation, Assessment, Development and Evaluation methodology will be used. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: No primary data will be collected; thus, ethical approval is not required. The results will be disseminated through a peer-reviewed publication and conference presentations. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42019131428.