SimCoach, a computer program featuring a virtual human that speaks and gestures in a videogame-like interface, is designed to encourage servicemembers, especially those with signs or symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or depression, to seek help to improve their psychological health. The assessment included a formative component assessing SimCoach's design, development, and implementation approaches, as well as a summative component assessing outcomes among participants in a user experience survey and a randomized controlled trial (RCT).
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
333
Help-seeking intentions
Participants were asked the following question: "How likely is it that you will seek help for issues such as stress, emotional, alcohol, drug, or family problems from the following people in the next month?" and responded using a Likert scale ranging from 1=extremely unlikely to 7=extremely likely.
Time frame: within 30 days
Perceived barriers to care
Subjects were asked about their perceptions of both stigma-related and practical barriers to seeking help.
Time frame: within 30 days
User experience
Participants responded to questions about their experience with the tool or the online form.
Time frame: Immediately following their interaction with SimCoach or online form (up to 5 min)
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