Improving Online Therapy Skills through Research Insights
As practitioners in the field of online therapy, staying updated with research findings is crucial for continuous improvement. One such research paper, "Evaluating the Effectiveness of France’s Indoor Smoke-Free Law 1 Year and 5 Years after Implementation: Findings from the ITC France Survey," provides valuable insights that can be applied to enhance your professional practice.
Key Findings of the Research
The research conducted by Fong et al. (2013) evaluated the impact of France’s comprehensive smoke-free law implemented in two phases: workplaces, shopping centers, airports, train stations, hospitals, and schools in February 2007, and hospitality venues like bars, restaurants, hotels, casinos, and nightclubs in January 2008. The study involved a cohort survey of approximately 1,500 smokers and 500 non-smokers before and after the implementation of the laws.
- Significant reduction in observed smoking in bars (from 94–97% to 4%) and restaurants (from 60–71% to 2–3%) one year after the law, sustained four years later.
- Decline in observed smoking in workplaces from 41–48% to 18–20%, further reducing to 14–15% at five years.
- Increased public support for smoke-free laws, with notable growth among smokers.
- No increase in smoking at home, with a rise in smoke-free homes among smokers from 23.2% to 37.2% over five years.
Application to Online Therapy Practice
Although the research focuses on tobacco control, the principles of implementing and evaluating comprehensive policies can be translated into the context of online therapy. Here are some ways to apply these insights:
- Comprehensive Policy Implementation: Adopt a holistic approach to therapy that addresses various aspects of the client's environment, similar to how the smoke-free law targeted multiple public venues.
- Continuous Evaluation: Regularly assess the effectiveness of your therapy methods and make adjustments based on feedback, mirroring the longitudinal evaluation in the study.
- Public Awareness and Education: Educate clients about the benefits of therapy and involve them in the process, akin to the public awareness campaigns before the law's implementation.
- Support and Compliance: Encourage and support clients in adhering to therapy plans, similar to how public support for the smoke-free law increased over time.
Encouraging Further Research
To further enhance your skills and knowledge, consider conducting your own research or collaborating with other professionals. Investigate the long-term impacts of different therapy methods, client adherence, and overall satisfaction. By doing so, you can contribute to the growing body of evidence-based practices in online therapy.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Evaluating the Effectiveness of France’s Indoor Smoke-Free Law 1 Year and 5 Years after Implementation: Findings from the ITC France Survey.
