A collaborative research team is keen to trial in Australia a self-help computer program for young people with symptoms of depression.
SPARX (Smart, Positive, Active, Realistic, XFactor) is a program developed and trialled in New Zealand that uses traditional cognitive behaviour therapy but delivers it in an online gaming environment. In order to actively engage young people, SPARX uses a 3D fantasy game environment and a custom-made soundtrack. Users are able to customise their avatar and journey to seven provinces, each with a unique set of challenges and puzzles.
The team comprises researchers from the University of Tasmania, Auckland University and Professor Tim Skinner of Charles Darwin University.
Randomised controlled trials in NZ have shown the program to be as effective as actually seeing a practitioner face to face. Team member Ms Colleen Cheek, an e-Health Research Fellow with UTAS' Rural Clinical School in Burnie, believes there are several applications for the program, particularly given the limited access to mental health practitioners in rural and remote areas.
"SPARX is something that can be accessed by adolescents while they are on a waiting list to see a practitioner, with the practitioner, or in between appointments – and the results can be monitored by the practitioner online," Ms Cheek said. "There are seven modules (or levels) to navigate in the game – with participants encouraged to complete one or two each week. In some cases, this may be all the young person needs to help develop important life- coping skills, in other cases it can be used to augment professional assistance – like 'homework'."
Team members Ms Cheek, Heather Bridgman (University Department of Rural Health [UDRH]) and Terry Fleming (University of Auckland) attended the International Society for Research into Internet Interventions (Health) conference in Chicago earlier this year in order to assess where the rest of the world was at with regard to internet Interventions – and they came away convinced that they are onto a winner with SPARX.
Since returning from Chicago, the team has conducted focus groups with young people in Smithton, in Tasmania's north-west, in order to assess target audience reactions to and engagement levels with the game. Results from those focus groups have yet to be analysed; however, Ms Cheek is confident the game will have cross-cultural appeal and application.
"The UDRH has committed to funding a Research Assistant Practitioner Scholarship and called for expressions of interest. This would fund a mental health practitioner to work one day a week for a few months to assist the team assess the best implementation process for the game in the north-west."
Another step in the process is to familiarise mental health practitioners, including psychologists, social workers and nurses.
The UDRH is sponsoring a visit to Launceston and Burnie by renowned adolescent psychologist Michael Carr-Gregg on September 16 (Launceston) and 23 (Burnie). In each centre he will conduct a workshop on using online interventions and web-based applications to mental health professionals during the day and will also give a forum presentation that evening for a more general audience.
The research team is currently seeking funding to cover the cost of trialling the program in Australia – to re-skin the existing program with Australian contacts and pay for the online hosting.