Project plan

The project is divided into several sub-studies. The aim is to develop and test a digital intervention for patients on a waiting list. We are conducting two pilot studies and one randomized controlled trial.

Pilot study at SiO and SiT mental health

Feasibility and acceptability

To ensure a safe and well-designed main study, several details need to be in place. A feasibility study is a type of study where the aim is to examine whether a project plan is well designed and can be carried out on a large scale, whether the research is worth doing, and to gather feedback from participants’ experiences. This makes it possible to plan better for unforeseen events and helps ensure that the main project becomes a successful investigation of whether the digital therapy program works.

Initially, such a study will be conducted at SiO and SiT mental health. The goal is to recruit around 80 participants into 4 groups:

  • A control group
  • An active control group
  • A therapy group with a short program
  • A therapy group with a longer program

By offering different versions of the program to different participants, we can gather information on which version works best. This allows us to further develop a suitable and effective program for the main study.

Qualitative study

To gather feedback on the therapy program, it is important to talk to users and participants who will actually be using the program. This allows us to gain an in-depth understanding of what works well in the program and what can be improved, as well as hear participants’ general reflections on waiting list challenges and which measures are effective in this phase.

Participants will be recruited from the pilot study at SiO and SiT, and the goal is to speak with 10–20 participants who have completed one of the versions of the digital program.

The interviews will focus on:

  1. Experiences of waiting for mental health care and seeking treatment
  2. Experiences with the digital intervention
  3. Other reflections related to the waiting period and how to best support people during this phase

Pilot study at Modum bad

In the autumn of 2026, we will conduct a pilot study at Modum Bad. This is a continuation of the pilot study at SiO and SiT. The aim is still to further develop the program and prepare a successful main study, but in addition, this investigation will also involve Ecological Momentary Assessments and Interventions (EMA and EMI).

Due to the complexity of the project, the testing phase is divided into several steps. In this way, we can better isolate what works well and what needs to be revised. In this second pilot study, the digital single-session intervention will be combined with Ecological Momentary Interventions.

Randomized controlled trial

In 2027, a randomized controlled trial will be conducted at Modum Bad, SiO and SiT mental health.

Here, the different elements of the project will be combined and tested on a large scale. The effect of the intervention will be evaluated statistically. A number of sub-analyses are also planned to examine for whom the intervention works, what makes it work or not work, and how it can be implemented in the best possible way in a clinical health service in the future.

After the main study, the digital program will be made freely available through a web portal.