Psychotherapy with the Use of Ict Systems - Advantages and Controversies. The Perspective of Patients of the Department of Psychotherapy of the University Hospital in Krakow and a Review of the Latest Literature

ABSTRACT

Objectives: The article presents the results of a survey carried out with a group of 38 patients of the Department of Psychotherapy of the University Hospital in Krakow. Due to the national quarantine at the time when the research was conducted, respondents participated in therapy remotely. The research mainly focused on the attitudes of respondents to this form of treatment and its perceived effectiveness. Methods: The research took the form of a questionnaire administered via email with the patients' consent. Results: The first experience with remote psychotherapy turned out positive for 55% of survey participants. Patients appreciated this formula because it helped them preserve the continuity of treatment, save time related to transport or it gave them a greater sense of security that enabled breaking barriers with speaking about themselves and their problems. The predominant disadvantages were technical constraints, problems with focusing on the content of the conversation or achieving privacy and a deficit in therapeutic interventions based on non-verbal aspects of communication. Conclusions: Psychotherapy based on the use of ICT methods has its advantages and disadvantages. After one month of participation in this form of treatment, 55% of the participants perceived its effectiveness as equivalent to therapy carried out in direct contact. 34% of respondents were of the opinion that this therapy was less effective than the traditional one. It still remains open what determines such perception of a specific person. At present, research on the evaluation of selected variables which may affect the assessment of attractiveness of remote treatment is in progress.