Appraising psychotherapy case studies in practice-based evidence: introducing Case Study Evaluation-tool (CaSE)

Abstract Systematic case studies are often placed at the low end of evidence-based practice (EBP) due to lack of critical appraisal. This paper seeks to attend to this research gap by introducing a novel Case Study Evaluation-tool (CaSE). First, issues around knowledge generation and validity are assessed in both EBP and practice-based evidence (PBE) paradigms. Although systematic case studies are more aligned with PBE paradigm, the paper argues for a complimentary, third way approach between the two paradigms and their 'exemplary' methodologies: case studies and randomised controlled trials (RCTs). Second, the paper argues that all forms of research can produce 'valid evidence' but the validity itself needs to be assessed against each specific research method and purpose. Existing appraisal tools for qualitative research (JBI, CASP, ETQS) are shown to have limited relevance for the appraisal of systematic case studies through a comparative tool assessment. Third, the paper develops purpose-oriented evaluation criteria for systematic case studies through CaSE Checklist for Essential Components in Systematic Case Studies and CaSE Purpose-based Evaluative Framework for Systematic Case Studies. The checklist approach aids reviewers in assessing the presence or absence of essential case study components (internal validity). The framework approach aims to assess the effectiveness of each case against its set out research objectives and aims (external validity), based on different systematic case study purposes in psychotherapy. Finally, the paper demonstrates the application of the tool with a case example and notes further research trajectories for the development of CaSE tool.

Evidencia basada en la práctica en psicoterapia: el reto en Latinoamérica / Practice-based evidence in psychotherapy: the challenge in Latin America

Resumen El artículo presenta una revisión teórica sobre el paradigma de la Práctica Basada en la Evidencia y sobre el de la Evidencia Basada en la Práctica en el ámbito de la psicoterapia; se profundiza especialmente en este último paradigma y su asociación con la investigación de la efectividad en psicoterapia. Posteriormente, se contextualiza el funcionamiento de este último paradigma en los sistemas de salud y en particular en la atención en salud mental, haciendo hincapié en su aplicabilidad en la evaluación rutinaria y su potencial para contribuir al campo de la investigación en psicoterapia. Finalmente, se presentan algunas conclusiones sobre cómo promover la investigación orientada a la Evidencia Basada en la Práctica en contextos psicoterapéuticos, a partir de Redes de Investigación en la Práctica en los países latinoamericanos.

Abstract This article presents a theoretical review of the Evidence-Based Practice and the Practice-Based Evidence in psychotherapy, the latter is explained in depth considering its association with the research of the effectiveness in psychotherapy. Subsequently, the functioning of this last paradigm in health systems, particularly in mental health care is contextualized, emphasizing its applicability in routine evaluation and its potential to contribute to the field of research in psychotherapy. Finally, some conclusions are presented on how to promote research based on the paradigm of Practice-Based Evidence in psychotherapeutic contexts, based on Practice Research Networks in Latin American countries.

Relación de Supervisión: Adaptación del S-SRQ en Psicoterapeutas Argentinos / Supervision Relationship: Adaptation of the S-SRQ in Argentine Psychotherapists

Resumen Introducción: En los últimos años se ha reconocido la importancia de evaluar la supervisión clínica y su rol en el proceso psicoterapéutico. No obstante, son escasos los instrumentos que cumplen con este propósito, particularmente en Latinoamérica. En este estudio, se buscó adaptar al castellano la versión breve del Cuestionario de relación de supervisión (S-SRQ, por sus siglas en inglés de: Short Supervisory Relationship Questionnaire), compuesto de tres dimensiones: base segura, educación reflexiva y estructura; y aportar evidencias sobre su desempeño psicométrico. Método: El S-SRQ fue traducido y retraducido a su idioma original. Posteriormente, fue administrado a 374 psicoterapeutas argentinos (muestra no probabilística). Se realizaron análisis de consistencia interna (alfa de Cronbach), dimensionales (análisis paralelo y factorial confirmatorio), y a nivel del ítem (coeficientes estandarizados y correlación ítem-escala). Resultados: Los coeficientes de consistencia interna fueron adecuados para la escala total y, en general, para cada dimensión. Los análisis dimensionales se ajustaron a un modelo de tres dimensiones, base segura, educación reflexiva y estructura. El desempeño de los ítems fue bueno con relación a la escala total y cada dimensión. Discusión: El desempeño psicométrico del S-SRQ en castellano fue similar al de la escala original, con algunas diferencias. La escala presenta potencial para ser aplicada en el contexto argentino, tanto en el ámbito científico como en la práctica.

Abstract Introduction: In recent years the significance of evaluating clinical supervision and its role in the psychotherapeutic process has been recognized. However, there are few instruments for such evaluation, particularly in Latin América. This study aimed to adapt the three-dimensional (reliable basis, reflexive education and structure) Short Version of the Supervisory Relationship Questionnaire (S-SRQ) to Spanish. Method: The questionnaire was administered to 374 Argentine psychotherapists (non-probabilistic sample). The S-SRQ was translated and retranslated to its original language. It was performed internal onsistency (Cronbach's alpha), dimensional (parallel and confirmatory factor analysis), and item analyzes (standardized coefficients and item-scale correlation). Results: The internal consistency coefficients were adequate for the total scale and, in general, for each dimension. The dimensional analyses were adjusted to a three-dimensional model, reliable basis, reflective education and structure. Item performance was good in relation to the total scale and each dimension. Discussion: The psychometric performance of the S-SRQ in Spanish was like the original scale, with some exceptions. The scale has potential to be implemented in our context, both at a practical and scientific level.

Conjugando métodos clínico e empírico no estudo de caso de interrupção precoce em psicoterapia psicanalítica / Combining clinical and empirical methods for understanding a case of premature interruption in psychoanalytic psychotherapy

O objetivo deste estudo é conjugar métodos clínico e empírico de avaliação do processo psicoterapêutico para a compreensão dos fatores associados à interrupção precoce em um caso de psicoterapia psicanalítica. Os participantes foram uma díade terapêutica. A paciente é jovem adulta, atendida em uma clínica-escola, por um período de três meses. A psicoterapeuta registrou sua impressão das sessões e sua compreensão dinâmica do caso. O método de estudo do caso foi análise sistemática por meio do Psychotherapy Process Q-Set (PQS) e do Shedler-Westen Assessment Procedure (SWAP). As sessões foram gravadas em vídeo e posteriormente codificadas com os instrumentos por avaliadores externos treinados. As características do processo indicam foco nos relacionamentos amorosos e nas situações de vida atual; a paciente trazia material significativo; tendia a concordar com as intervenções da psicoterapeuta e demonstrava se sentir entendida. A psicoterapeuta, por sua vez, mostrou empatia e adotou atitude de apoio, realizando intervenções exploratórias. A sessão 6 constituiu um momento de mudança na direção do processo. Os resultados fornecem elementos para a compreensão dos fatores relacionados com a interrupção, tais como o incremento da resistência e ambivalência por parte da paciente não devidamente abordados pela terapeuta.(AU)

This study aims to combine clinical and empirical methods of therapeutic process evaluation for understanding factors associated with premature interruption in psychoanalytic psychotherapy. The participants were a therapeutic dyad. The patient is a female young adult treated in an outpatient clinic of a psychoanalytic psychotherapy training institution. The treatment lasted three months, and the patient attended 8 sessions. The psychotherapist made records about her impressions of the sessions and about her understanding of the case dynamics. The case was analyzed systematically through the Psychotherapy Process Q-Set (PQS) and the Shedler-Westen Assessment Procedure (SWAP). Therapy sessions were videotaped and later coded by external trained raters. The general features of this process indicated that psychotherapy focused on romantic relationships and actual life situations; patient usually had brought significant materials; patient tended to agree with therapist´s interventions, and appear to feel understood by the therapist. The therapist showed empathy and adopted a supportive attitude while conducting exploratory interventions. Session 6 was a turning point in the process direction. Results provide some elements for understanding process factors related to treatment interruption such as the increase of resistance and ambivalence on the part of the patient, which were not adequately addressed by the therapist.(AU)

The Clinical Outcomes in Routine Evaluation-Outcome Measure: A useful option for routine outcome monitoring in Latin America / Clinical Outcomes in Routine Evaluation-Outcome Measure: Uma opção útil para o monitoramento de rotina dos resultados na América Latina / Clinical Outcomes in Routine Evaluation-Outcome Measure: Una opción útil para la monitorización rutinaria de resultados en Latinoamérica

Latin American mental health services are moving from the psychiatric hospital model to a community-based model. The effectiveness of these new services needs to be evaluated and that can be done through routine outcome monitoring. The present communication introduces the Clinical Outcomes in Routine Evaluation – Outcome Measure (CORE-OM), a free instrument, supported with rigorous psychometric exploration, and which has been translated to Spanish and Brazilian Portuguese that can be used for monitoring purposes across the region.

Os serviços de saúde mental latino-americanos estão mudando do modelo de hospital psiquiátrico para um modelo baseado em atendimento comunitário. A eficácia desses novos serviços precisa ser avaliada através do uso de monitoramento de resultados de rotina. Esta comunicação apresenta o Clinical Outcomes in Routine Evaluation – Outcome Measure (CORE-OM), um instrumento gratuito, suportado por rigorosos exames psicométricos, que foi traduzido para o espanhol e o português do Brasil e que pode ser usado com a finalidade de monitorar resultados na região.

Los servicios de salud mental latinoamericanos están moviéndose del modelo de hospital psiquiátrico a un modelo basado en la atención comunitaria. La efectividad de estos nuevos servicios necesita ser evaluada por medio del uso de la monitorización rutinaria de los resultados. La presente comunicación introduce el Clinical Outcomes in Routine Evaluation – Outcome Measure (CORE-OM), un instrumento gratuito, apoyado por rigurosas exploraciones psicométricas, el cual ha sido traducido al español y al portugués brasileño, y que puede ser usado con el propósito de monitorización de resultados en la región.

Psicoterapia de Crianças: Desenvolvimento da Versão em Português do Child Psychotherapy Q-Set / Children's Psychotherapy: Development of a Portuguese version of the Child Psychotherapy Q-Set

RESUMO A literatura científica reconhece a necessidade de aprofundar o conhecimento sobre o processo terapêutico de crianças, compreendendo os mecanismos pelos quais se produzem mudanças. Para isso, precisamos de instrumentos que viabilizem tais investigações. O objetivo deste estudo foi traduzir e adaptar para o português brasileiro o Child Pychotherapy Q-Set (CPQ), instrumento que visa à análise do processo psicoterapêutico de crianças. O estudo foi desenvolvido em quatro etapas, avaliando-se a equivalência entre a versão traduzida e o instrumento original em quatro áreas: equivalência semântica, idiomática, experiencial e conceitual. Constatou-se que a versão em português do CPQ apresentou boa equivalência com a original e a fidedignidade interavaliadores foi satisfatória. As possibilidades de utilização oferecidas pelo CPQ foram discutidas.

ABSTRACT Scientific literature recognizes the need to increase knowledge on child psychotherapeutic process, understanding the mechanisms by which changes occur. In order to do this, we need instruments that will make possible such investigations. The aim of this study was to translate and adapt to Brazilian Portuguese the Child Psychotherapy Q-Set (CPQ), an instrument that aims to analyze the psychotherapeutic process of children. The study was conducted in four stages, assessing the equivalence between the translated version and the original instrument in four areas: semantic equivalence, idiomatic, experiential and conceptual. It was found that the Portuguese version of the CPQ presented good equivalence with the original and the interrater reliability was satisfactory. The possibilities provided by the CPQ were discussed.

Culture and psychotherapy: A psychosocial framework for analysis

This paper discusses how cultural factors influence the current practice of psychotherapy in the Philippines where most psychotherapist still largely employ Western models. Psychotherapy involves process that are informed by the patient's culture. Indigenous psychotherapies are found in many societies and they may be used alone or in conjunction with Western modalities of treatment. This paper proposes a psychosocial framework that lends efficacy in the treatment modalities for psychological problems. Furthermore, it hopes to provide recommendations vis-a-vis training, service, and research in the field of psychotherapy in the Philippine context.

Culture and psychotherapy: A psychosocial framework for analysis

This paper discusses how cultural factors influence the current practice of psychotherapy in the Philippines where most psychotherapist still largely employ Western models. Psychotherapy involves process that are informed by the patient's culture. Indigenous psychotherapies are found in many societies and they may be used alone or in conjunction with Western modalities of treatment. This paper proposes a psychosocial framework that lends efficacy in the treatment modalities for psychological problems. Furthermore, it hopes to provide recommendations vis-a-vis training, service, and research in the field of psychotherapy in the Philippine context.

Revisión teórica y metodológica de las dificultades en psicoterapia: propuesta de un modelo ordenador / Theoretical and methodological review of therapeutic difficulties: a systematizing model

El presente artículo tiene como objetivo presentar el resultado de una revisión teórica de los conceptos asociados a dificultades en psicoterapia desde distintas perspectivas y niveles de análisis, para luego proponer una estructura que permita sintetizar, diferenciar y comparar los distintos conceptos y hallazgos relevantes que tienen que ver con el amplio espectro de las dificultades en psicoterapia. Los conceptos relativos a las dificultades en psicoterapia fueron organizados como variables de input, proceso y output, dentro del proceso terapéutico, para finalmente realizar una discusión acerca de las implicancias teóricas, clínicas y especialmente metodológicas en el estudio de las dificultades en psicoterapia.

This article presents a theoretical systematization of concepts regarding psychotherapeutic difficulties, from different perspectives and leVELs of analysis. It proposes a theoretical structure that allows comparing, differentiating and synthesizing the multiple concepts and empirical findings regarding psychotherapeutic difficulties. Concepts were organized as input, process and output variables along the therapeutic process, finally discussing theoretical, clinical and methodological implications in the study of therapeutic difficulties.

La variable personalidad en el estudio de la psicoterapia: ¿medida de resultado o proceso / Personality as a variable in psychotherapy research: outcome or process measurement

La investigación sobre efectividad psicoterapéutica y el estudio de la personalidad han ocurrido de manera más o menos paralela. Actualmente es posible plantear al menos dos puntos de convergencia: el estudio del efecto de la psicoterapia sobre el cambio de la personalidad y la investigación de los efectos de las variables de personalidad de los pacientes sobre el proceso psicoterapéutico. En el presente artículo se exponen algunos avances de la investigación de proceso-resultado en psicoterapia que incluyen la personalidad como variable. En particular, se presenta el problema del cambio de la personalidad y se revisan algunas investigaciones en psicoterapia que la han incorporado como una medida de resultado o de proceso. Se concluye y discute el valor de la noción de personalidad en la investigación de la psicoterapia, integrando asuntos teóricos, prácticos y metodológicos.

Psychotherapeutic effectively research and personality research have developed in parallel ways. Nowadays, it is possible to identify two convergent perspectives: the study of the effect of the psychotherapy over personality change and the study of the effects of patients' personality variables over the psychotherapeutic process. In this paper some advances of process-outcome psychotherapy research, which includes personality as a variable, are shown. Specifically, the issue of personality change is presented and empirical studies, which include personality as an outcome or process measurement, are reviewed. The value of the concept of personality for psychotherapy research is discussed integrating theoretical, practical and methodological topics.

Psicoterapia breve pais-bebê: revisando a literatura / Short-term parent-infant psychotherapy: a review of the literature

Este artigo apresenta uma revisão da literatura a respeito da psicoterapia breve pais-bebê. Inicialmente são apresentados aspectos históricos, desde o surgimento da psicoterapia breve, passando pelas formulações teóricas que enfatizaram a importância das relações iniciais pais-bebê até a constituição do campo da psicoterapia breve pais-bebê propriamente dita. Constata-se que várias abordagens compõem o panorama atual das psicoterapias pais-bebê, as quais apresentam uma ampla diversidade de referenciais teóricos e técnicos. Foram também revisados, em particular, estudos empíricos sobre a utilização dessa abordagem no contexto da depressão materna. Por fim, apresentam-se os procedimentos utilizados pelos autores deste artigo em uma pesquisa em andamento envolvendo o atendimento psicoterápico breve pais-bebê em famílias com mães deprimidas. Essa abordagem tem se mostrado efetiva na promoção de um melhor relacionamento mãe-pai-bebê na presença sintomas depressivos da mãe.

This article presents a review of the literature on short-term parent-infant psychotherapy. Initially, some historical aspects are presented since the emergence of short-term psychotherapy, including the theoretical formulations that highlighted the importance of early parent-infant relationships and helped to implement the field of short-term parent-infant psychotherapy. There are several approaches to parent-infant psychotherapy, representing a broad diversity of theoretical and technical frameworks. Empirical studies were also reviewed, especially those using parent-infant psychotherapy in the context of maternal depression. Finally, the authors' experience with short-term parent-infant psychotherapy involving families with depressive mothers was presented. This approach has shown to be effective in the promotion of better mother-father-infant relationship in the presence of maternal depressive symptoms.