Roberto Maluenda-Gatica

Thesis title: The Use of Synchronous Videoconference in Bipolar Patients: A Novel Study on Therapist Mentalization Capacity, Therapeutic Process, and Efficacy within Videoconferencing Psychotherapy (VCP) Intervention Context

Biography

Background

Before starting my PhD journey, I earned my MSc in Psychiatric Research at the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience (IoPPN) at King's College London in 2017. My academic pursuits began earlier with completing a Master's in Clinical Psychology at Andrés Bello University in Chile in 2012.

Throughout my professional career, I have focused on improving the lives of individuals grappling with severe mental illnesses. From 2012 to 2016, I dedicated my efforts to the Acute Psychiatric Day Hospital in Quilpue, Chile, providing essential outpatient treatment to patients with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and personality disorders. During this period, I honed my skills in psychiatric rehabilitation and implemented the pioneering Integrated Psychological Therapy (IPT) in the Chilean healthcare landscape. 

I am currently immersed in my doctoral studies in Clinical Psychology at the University of Edinburgh, UK. In my ongoing research, I am particularly interested in psychotherapy research emphasising digital mental health. My research pursuits are specially tailored to explore the efficacy and effectiveness of digital mental health interventions within the context of severe mental illnesses. Additionally, I am interested in delving into the intricacies of the patient experience and engagement, which are known to significantly influence treatment adherence, therapeutic alliance and overall outcomes.

Furthermore, my research extends into cultural sensitivity and its far-reaching implications. I aim to unravel how these cultural nuances can be harnessed to tailor treatment plans and interventions, addressing individual needs and preferences. My ultimate goal is to contribute to the scalability of these interventions, making quality mental healthcare accessible to a broader population transcending cultural boundaries.

Qualifications

2016-2017 Master of Science in Psychiatric Research, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, UK

2014-2015 Diploma (PGDip) in Mental Health for Public Health, School of Medicine, Universidad de Valparaíso, Chile           

2010-2012 Master in Clinical Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, Universidad Nacional Andrés Bello, Chile

2005-2010 BA Bachelor (Hons) in Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, Universidad Nacional Andrés Bello, Chile

2002-2005 BA Bachelor in Humanities and Social Sciences, Faculty of Education and Social Sciences, Universidad Nacional Andrés Bello, Chile

 

Research summary

My research in digital mental health within the context of severe mental illnesses encompasses several key areas. I emphasise the importance of the therapeutic alliance in digital settings and investigate its impact on treatment outcomes. My research evaluates the effectiveness of digital interventions compared to traditional therapy and emphasises user experience and engagement. I am committed to cultural sensitivity, personalising interventions, and exploring the potential of machine learning and AI. I also study mobile apps and wearables, various teletherapy modalities, remote monitoring, and blended care. Cost-effectiveness, regulatory and ethical considerations, user training, and scalability of digital interventions are central to my research objectives.

Current research interests

In my research, I comprehensively evaluate the effectiveness of digital interventions compared to traditional therapy approaches. This comparison is a critical component of my work, as it helps shed light on the practicality and potential advantages of using digital solutions in mental health. I investigate how these innovative approaches can yield positive outcomes for individuals with severe mental illnesses. By examining their impact on symptom reduction, improved well-being, and enhanced overall functioning, I seek to determine the extent to which digital interventions can be as, or even more, effective than traditional in-person therapy. Furthermore, I strongly emphasise patient experience and engagement within the context of digital mental health interventions. It is about more than merely whether these tools work but also how users perceive and interact. The quality of the user experience directly influences the degree of engagement, significantly affecting treatment adherence and ultimate treatment outcomes. By focusing on user experience and engagement, I aim to make digital mental health interventions more accessible, enjoyable, and meaningful to users. Ultimately, this research element plays a pivotal role in ensuring the success and widespread adoption of digital solutions, which have the potential to revolutionise the way we provide mental health support to individuals with severe mental illnesses.

Past research interests

In my previous research endeavours, I have been deeply engrossed in a multifaceted exploration of psychotherapy, focusing on addressing the intricate challenges faced by individuals suffering from severe mental illnesses. My work has been underpinned by a commitment to enhancing their cognitive functioning motivation levels and facilitating their journey to recovery. One of the significant dimensions of my past research revolved around cognitive rehabilitation in individuals with schizophrenia. This research sought to comprehensively understand the cognitive impairments associated with schizophrenia and develop targeted interventions that could alleviate these challenges. By delving into the cognitive deficits, I aimed to create tailored programs that would help individuals regain cognitive skills and, in turn, enhance their overall quality of life. This line of research had the potential to significantly improve the day-to-day functioning and well-being of individuals grappling with severe mental illnesses. Additionally, I was involved in developing and implementing supported employment programs specifically tailored for individuals with severe mental illnesses. These initiatives were designed to offer meaningful employment opportunities and the necessary support structures to ensure success in the workplace. The objective was to provide individuals with mental illnesses with a source of income and instil a sense of purpose, self-worth, and empowerment. By bridging the gap between mental health challenges and employment, my research aimed to break down barriers and create more inclusive and fulfilling lives for those with severe mental illnesses.
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