Value driven evaluation of digital mental health interventions: development of the compassionate technology scale for professionals (cts-p)
Charlotte van Lotringen (BMS, PHT), Dr. Peter M. ten Klooster (BMS, PHT), Dr. Judith Austin (BMS, PHT), Prof. Dr. Gerben J. Westerhof (BMS, PHT), Dr. Saskia M. Kelders (BMS, PHT), Prof. Dr. Matthijs L. Noordzij (BMS, PHT)
Abstract
Introduction
Compassion is a crucial value in mental healthcare, yet the impact of digital interventions on compassion remains unexplored due to the absence of suitable measures. Therefore, we developed the Compassionate Technology Scale for Professionals (CTS-P) tailored to mental health professionals.
Methods
We used Q-methodology, a method that combines quantitative and qualitative analysis to explore shared viewpoints on a particular topic, to select and refine items. Fifteen mental health professionals sorted 35 statements reflecting compassion-related aspects of technology use and discussed their associations in individual sessions.
Results
By applying by-person factor analysis, we identified three distinct viewpoints among participants, collectively explaining 63.02% of the variance. We then selected prioritized items for each viewpoint and theoretical element of compassion, yielding both a full (15 items) and short (3 items) scale. Qualitative feedback guided adjustments to clarify focus and item wording.
Discussion
Based on the input from mental health professionals, we developed the CTS-P. Participants emphasized technology's potential to enhance information access and client proximity for fostering compassion, yet they questioned its necessity for cultivating experiential compassion in therapists.
This underscores the importance of investigating how technology and mental health professionals can complement each other to deliver compassionate care effectively. Future research should validate the scale's factor structure, validity, and reliability.
Conclusions
The CTS-P offers a quantifiable means to assess technology's impact on compassion in mental healthcare. The scale can prove useful for prioritizing the value of compassion in both the development and use of digital mental health interventions.