[Indication and Evidence of Internationally Developed Online Coaches as Intervention for Mental Illness - a Meta-Review].

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to investigate the current state of research concerning internationally developed Online Coaches for treatment support and prevention of mental disorders. Evidence and effectiveness of the Online Coaches ought to be explored.

METHODS: A systematic literature search was performed in international databases in order to provide a meta-review of existing Online Coaches for mental disorders. The assessment of the methodological quality and evidence of the studies was based on the established guidelines of the Scottish Intercollegiate Guideline Network.

RESULTS: 52 studies (24 meta-analyses, 16 systematic reviews, 2 health-technology assessment reports, and 10 RCT studies) were identified. The efficacy was demonstrated for a variety of Online Coaches for mental disorders, especially for anxiety and depressive disorders, insomnia, and post-traumatic stress disorders, with predominantly acceptable and high quality.

CONCLUSION: The present work provides an overview of internationally developed Online Coaches in the field of mental health care. Online Coaches can serve as a useful supplement to the treatment and prevention of mental disorders.