Feedback based on experience sampling data: Examples of current approaches and considerations for future research

Sara Laureen Bartels; Catherine van Zelst; Bernardo Melo Moura; Naomi E M Daniëls; Claudia J P Simons; Machteld Marcelis; Fionneke M Bos; Michelle N Servaas

doi:10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e20084

Feedback based on experience sampling data: Examples of current approaches and considerations for future research

Heliyon. 2023 Sep 12;9(9):e20084. doi: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e20084. eCollection 2023 Sep.

Authors

Sara Laureen Bartels^{1

2}, Catherine van Zelst^{3

4}, Bernardo Melo Moura^{1

5

6}, Naomi E M Daniëls^{1

7}, Claudia J P Simons^{1

4}, Machteld Marcelis^{1

4}, Fionneke M Bos^{8

9}, Michelle N Servaas⁸

Affiliations

¹ Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands.
² Alzheimer Centre Limburg, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands.
³ Department of Psychosis Research and Innovation, Parnassia Psychiatric Institute, The Hague, the Netherlands.
⁴ GGzE Institute for Mental Health Care Eindhoven, Eindhoven, the Netherlands.
⁵ Institute of Pharmacology and Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal.
⁶ Universidade Católica Portuguesa, Faculdade de Medicina, Portugal.
⁷ Department of Family Medicine, Care and Public Health Research Institute, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands.
⁸ Department of Psychiatry, Interdisciplinary Center for Psychopathology and Emotion Regulation, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands.
⁹ Department of Psychiatry, Rob Giel Research Center, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands.

Abstract

Methodologies such as the Experience Sampling Method (ESM) or Ecological Momentary Assessment allow the gathering of fine-graded, dynamic, personal data within a patient's daily life. Currently, it is studied whether feedback based on experience sampling data (ESM-based feedback) can be used as a clinical tool to inform shared decision-making in clinical practice. Although the potential of feedback is recognized, little is known on how to generate, use, and implement it. This article (i) presents n = 15 ongoing ESM projects within the Belgian-Dutch network for ESM research wherein ESM-based feedback is provided to various patient populations, and (ii) summarizes qualitative data on experiences with ESM-based feedback of researchers (n = 8) with extensive expertise with ESM (average of 10 years) involved in these ongoing studies. The following aspects appear to be of relevance when providing ESM-based feedback: training for healthcare professionals and researchers, the use of online interfaces and graphical visualizations to present data, and interacting with patients in a face-to-face setting when discussing the contextual relevance and potential implications. Prospectively, research may build on these aspects and create coherent consensus-based guidelines for the use of ESM-based feedback.

Keywords: ESM-based feedback; Ecological momentary assessment; Experience sampling method; Guidelines; Momentary data.