An internet-based cognitive-behavioural training for acute tinnitus: Secondary analysis of acceptance in terms of satisfaction, trial attrition and non-usage attrition.

Objectives: Recent studies on tinnitus have focused on the efficacy of Internet-based interventions. Other core features of the quality of service, e.g. acceptance and attrition, have often been overlooked. This study analyses Internet-based training regarding acceptance and attrition in a trial on minimal-contact interventions for acute tinnitus. Whenever possible, we give information on other forms of training for comparison. Methods: In a randomised controlled trial with 337 participants, 87 persons took part in the Internet training. Results: The participants were as satisfied with the Internet-based training as with a face-to-face group training. There was a 34.48\% dropout from the Internet-based training (dropout attrition). The training attrition from the Internet-based training was even higher at 64.4\%. Conclusions: Two out of three indicators for acceptance—satisfaction and dropout attrition—provide comparable results between the Internet-based training and a face-to-face group training. The third indicator, training attrition, shows a better result for the group training. Future research should focus on attrition in order to enhance the overall effectiveness of training. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)

Sponsor: Federal Ministry of Research and Education, Germany. Grant: FKZ 01GX0732. Recipients: No recipient indicated