Abstract
Background: The implementation of technology-based solutions (eHealth) for psychosocial support has been on the rise globally for the past decade across health services (Bakker et al., 2020), including services for sexual assault (SA). Despite increased reliance on eHealth, a systematic overview of this research to shed light on the advantages and disadvantages of eHealth following SA is lacking.
Objective: A systematic scoping review was conducted to identify what is known about eHealth targeting SA.
Method: Five databases (CINAHL, Embase, PsycINFO, MEDLINE and Scopus) were systematically searched for research published on eHealth targeting the psychosocial needs of survivors of SA aged 13 or older using different variations of terms like “sexual assault” and “eHealth”.
Results: A total of 85 studies were included in the review. Results showed that there exist many different types of eHealth for SA survivors (e.g., video therapy, chats services, apps) and many of them have unspecified or broad aims (e.g., well-being). Many survivors describe their experience of eHealth as positive, but disadvantages were also identified including limited access and safety and technology issues. Furthermore, there was an overlap between characteristics of those least likely to receive eHealth and those generally underserved by formal supports (Bach et al., 2021; 2022).
Conclusions: eHealth targeting the psychosocial needs of survivors of SA is a promising tool to expand and individualize service provision and should be considered an integral part of service provision, but not a replacement for face-to-face treatment. More research is needed to ensure effectiveness and improve disadvantages.
Objective: A systematic scoping review was conducted to identify what is known about eHealth targeting SA.
Method: Five databases (CINAHL, Embase, PsycINFO, MEDLINE and Scopus) were systematically searched for research published on eHealth targeting the psychosocial needs of survivors of SA aged 13 or older using different variations of terms like “sexual assault” and “eHealth”.
Results: A total of 85 studies were included in the review. Results showed that there exist many different types of eHealth for SA survivors (e.g., video therapy, chats services, apps) and many of them have unspecified or broad aims (e.g., well-being). Many survivors describe their experience of eHealth as positive, but disadvantages were also identified including limited access and safety and technology issues. Furthermore, there was an overlap between characteristics of those least likely to receive eHealth and those generally underserved by formal supports (Bach et al., 2021; 2022).
Conclusions: eHealth targeting the psychosocial needs of survivors of SA is a promising tool to expand and individualize service provision and should be considered an integral part of service provision, but not a replacement for face-to-face treatment. More research is needed to ensure effectiveness and improve disadvantages.
| Originalsprog | Engelsk |
|---|---|
| Publikationsdato | jun. 2023 |
| Status | Udgivet - jun. 2023 |
| Begivenhed | 17th European Society for Traumatic Stress Studies Conference: 17th biennial conference of the European Society for Traumatic Stress Studies Trauma and resilience through the ages: A life course perspective - Nothern Ireland, Belfast Varighed: 14. jun. 2023 → 17. jun. 2023 https://www.estss2023.com/ |
Konference
| Konference | 17th European Society for Traumatic Stress Studies Conference |
|---|---|
| Lokation | Nothern Ireland |
| By | Belfast |
| Periode | 14/06/2023 → 17/06/2023 |
| Internetadresse |