Technology Matters: Online Support and Intervention (OSI) for child anxiety problems – an example of the journey from research to practice

TL;DR

This paper discusses how a digital mental health intervention for child anxiety moved from research to real-world use.

Contribution

The paper presents a case study of implementing a digitally augmented CBT intervention for child anxiety in clinical practice.

Findings

OSI is a parent-led, therapist-supported digital intervention for child anxiety.

Digitally augmented interventions can reduce therapist time and increase access to CBT.

OSI is now being used in child mental health services.

Abstract

Childhood anxiety problems are prevalent and impairing, yet many children are unable to access evidence‐based treatment (i.e. cognitive behavioural therapy, CBT). Digitally augmented psychological interventions represent one way to help increase access to CBT for children with mental health problems, as these interventions can substantially reduce the amount of therapist time required to deliver the intervention, as well as bringing a range of other potential advantages for therapists and families. Online Support and Intervention (OSI) is an example of a brief digitally augmented, therapist‐supported, parent‐led CBT intervention for child anxiety problems that is now being commissioned and delivered in child mental health services. This article outlines the journey of OSI from research to implementation into routine clinical practice and highlights key considerations for translating digitally augmented mental health interventions into routine care in child mental health services.