Exploring service users experiences of remotely delivered CBT interventions in primary care during COVID-19: An interpretative phenomenological analysis

Primary Care Mental Health Services (PMHCS) aim to provide accessible and effective psychological interventions. However, there is a scarcity of qualitative research focused on patients’ experiences. Service users’ experience can inform development of accessible, high-quality mental health services. Nine semi-structured interviews were analysed from Primary Care Mental Health users in Northern Scotland using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA). Four superordinate themes were generated: Orientating to treatment, Intervention features, Change enablers, and Impact. The results identified both facilitators and barriers associated with access and psychological change; and narratives around CBT acceptability, outcomes and remote delivery. The role of GPs emerged as a key determinant of access to PMHCS. The therapeutic relationship contributed to person-centred care provision, idiosyncratic change processes and self-empowerment. A personal commitment to engage with homework was described as a crucial change enabler. Findings are discussed in relation to existing literature, practical implications and suggestions for future research.