Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has been an opportunity for professionals and clients to experience online interventions; even though many challenges were faced, many resources were identified. This systematic review investigates the experience with online psychological interventions during the pandemic to understand the effect on online practice during such unprecedented times. A systematic review was conducted following the PRISMA guidelines and thirty-seven studies were included in the review. The results pointed out two overarching themes: The practical implications of shifting to an online setting and Professionals’ experiences associated with engaging in the shift, with a number of themes describing the implications and practical limitations of online interventions; together with professionals’ attitudes, changes in the therapeutic relationship and intention of use in the future. This review provides a report of professionals’ experience with online psychological interventions during the pandemic and points out the needs and proposals identified by professionals for practising online in the future.
Acknowledgements
This study was conducted as part of the ‘use-inspired basic research’ project for which the Department of General Psychology at the University of Padova has been recognised as a ‘Dipartimento di Eccellenza’ by the Italian Ministry for the University and Research.
Disclosure statement
No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).
Additional information
Notes on contributors
Silvia Caterina Maria Tomaino
Silvia Caterina Maria Tomaino is currently a PhD candidate in Brain, Mind and Computer Science (BMCS) in the Department of General Psychology at the University of Padua. Her interests are health psychology, eHealth interventions, tele-psychology and qualitative psychology.
Giulia Viganò
Giulia Viganò is a post-graduate trainee in the Department of General Psychology at the University of Padua, Italy. She received a master’s degree in Clinical Psychology at the University of Padua, Italy.
Sabrina Cipolletta
Sabrina Cipolletta is an Associate Professor in the Department of General Psychology at the University of Padua, Italy. She is the director of PsyMed, a research laboratory of health psychology. Her research interests have a focus on caregivers, chronic illnesses, end of life, healthcare system, and eHealth.