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Incorporating User Perspectives in the Design of an Online Intervention Tool for People with Visible Differences: Face IT

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  08 July 2010

Alyson Bessell ,
Alex Clarke ,
Diana Harcourt ,
Tim P. Moss  and
Nichola Rumsey
Alyson Bessell*
Affiliation:
University of the West of England, Bristol, UK
Alex Clarke
Affiliation:
Royal Free Hospital, London, UK
Diana Harcourt
Affiliation:
University of the West of England, Bristol, UK
Tim P. Moss
Affiliation:
University of the West of England, Bristol, UK
Nichola Rumsey
Affiliation:
University of the West of England, Bristol, UK
*
Reprint requests to Alyson Bessell, Department of Oral and Dental Science, University of Bristol, Bristol Dental Hospital, Lower Maudlin Street, Bristol BS1 2LY, UK. E-mail: alyson.bessell@bristol.ac.uk
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Abstract

Background: Individuals with visible differences can experience social anxiety in relation to their appearance. Social skills-based psychosocial interventions have to date shown only limited effectiveness at addressing their concerns. Aims: To incorporate user perspectives in the development of an online psychosocial intervention, known as Face IT. Method and Results: Study one consisted of a needs assessment with 12 individuals with a visible difference and six health professionals in order to identify the difficulties experienced by those with visible difference and obtain feedback on the proposed content of Face IT. The findings demonstrated support for the social skills model and the use of an online intervention. Study two consisted of an empirical usability evaluation of Face IT with 14 potential users and 14 health professionals. Based on feedback from the participants, changes were made to the graphics and navigation of the programme. The clinical content has been made more acceptable. Conclusions: The findings indicate support for the importance of social skills-based psychosocial interventions for addressing the needs of those with a visible difference, and have allowed modifications to be made to Face IT ahead of a randomized controlled trial of effectiveness.

Keywords

Online interventiondisfigurementpsychosocial adjustment
Type
Research Article
Information
Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapy , Volume 38 , Issue 5 , October 2010 , pp. 577 - 596
Copyright
Copyright © British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies 2010

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