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Purpose: Internet-based interventions have the potential to reduce the disparity in access to psychological therapy that people with tinnitus currently experience. One example is the Tinnitus E-Programme, which, although freely available online, has not yet been formally evaluated. The purpose of this study was to evaluate past, current, and new users' reactions and interactions with the Tinnitus E-Programme. Method: Study 1 used an online survey to gather past and current users' reactions to, and interactions with, the intervention (n = 27). Study 2 used interviews and a relaxation log to assess how new users implemented the skills they learned into their everyday lives (n = 13). Results: Generally, users expressed positive views on the intervention content and design features. Users particularly valued the education about tinnitus and its management and the relaxation skills training, and use of these components was high. In contrast, user reactions to self-monitoring tools, an online support forum, and therapist support were mixed, and use was lower. Implementation was limited by instances of poor usability and accessibility, user engagement, and adherence to relaxation goals. Users' perceptions of the intervention's credibility and relevance and beliefs regarding a negative impact on their tinnitus influenced engagement. Users in both studies identified several benefits gained, including functional and emotional management, self-efficacy for managing and coping with tinnitus, understanding tinnitus and its management, social support, and acceptance of tinnitus. Conclusion: Findings suggest that the intervention was acceptable to its target group but also highlighted some areas for improvement. These findings will be used to inform further optimization work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to explore the presence of key interactive design features across Internet-based audiology rehabilitation and self-management interventions, and whether there is evidence of them mediating effects of the intervention. Method: Adult audiology interventions relevant to this review were identified through a literature search in Google Scholar and a hand search of key journals. Four key interactive design features that have been proposed to mediate the effects of Internet-based health interventions were reported for each intervention: social context and support, contacts with the intervention, tailoring, and self-management. Results: Five interventions were identified as representative examples of work in the field. Social context and support and contacts with the intervention were provided in most interventions, mainly through clinician guidance. Only 1 intervention utilized tailoring to personalize intervention content to individual users, but use was minimal. Self-management features were also used in all interventions but the precise nature of these features was poorly reported. Conclusion: Future studies should assess the optimal dose and combinations of intervention features for maximizing efficacy in audiology intervention. To be specific, the role of tailoring should be explored, which has been identified as a potential mediator of intervention outcome in the wider e-health literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background People with long-term conditions need to be signposted to high quality information and advice to understand and manage their condition. Information seeking tools combined with third sector information could help address their information needs. Objective To describe the development and implementation of an information service for people living with long-term conditions at one NHS acute trust in the Northeast of England. Methods An information service was trialled using bespoke information models for three long-term conditions in collaboration with third sector organisations. These guided people to relevant, timely and reliable information. Both clinician and service user questionnaires were used to evaluate satisfaction with the service. Results Appropriately designed information models can be used interchangeably across all services. Between 75% and 91% of users agreed that they were satisfied with various aspects of the service. Generally, users received relevant, understandable and high quality information at the right time. Nearly all health professionals (94-100%) felt the service was accessible, provided high quality information and did not significantly impact on their consultation time. Conclusion The developed information service was well received by service users and health professionals. Specifically, the use of information prescriptions and menus facilitated access to information for people with long-term conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]