Taking computerized CBT beyond primary care.

Objectives: This study seeks to determine whether the effectiveness of Beating the Blues (BtB), an established computer-based CBT (CCBT) programme, can extend beyond primary care.

Design: BtB was delivered and evaluated in an NHS specialist CBT care centre as part of routine care.

Method: A sample of 104 service users, typically displaying chronic levels of depression and/or anxiety received CCBT.

Results: Completers' scores on the Clinical Outcomes in Routine Evaluation-Outcome Measure (CORE-OM), as well as on single-item rating scales for anxiety and depression, improved significantly following the intervention. Statistically significant differences held during intention-to-treat analyses. Almost half of the completer sample achieved reliable and clinically significant change. The results were benchmarked against national data sets.

Conclusions: These preliminary findings suggest a potential role for CCBT within secondary care as a first step, self-help treatment tool for anxiety and depression.