Training and supervision
Researchers were trained by senior mental health professionals in recruiting vulnerable populations (including those with severe mental illnesses), administering both qualitative and quantitative assessments, managing distressed participants, and retaining difficult-to-engage populations. The research team was trained in Good Clinical Practice (GCP), data protection and management, research and information governance. Monthly training refreshers were conducted to ensure the accuracy and concordance of ratings. These trainings involved both live role play and videotaped sessions of mock interviews. All trial therapists also received regular ongoing training. These training sessions included presentations on CMAP, role-play, discussion on how to introduce and get homework assignments completed, and feedback on role-play. All trial therapists also received regular ongoing training and supervision by national CBT therapists (ZZ, SS) as well as international experts (CW, FN). Digitally recorded sessions with the participants were rated by the CBT supervisor (ZZ) using the Cognitive Therapy Rating scale (CTRs) [