Kordy, Hans

Abstract:

eHealth opens up new prospects for the optimization of care for patients with mental disorders. Low threshold programs such as self-help (step-up care) can be offered via internet, or specific step-down interventions after treatment at specialized centres can be delivered through internet or text messaging and mobile telephones. Computer-assisted assessment of status and continuous monitoring of the course of health support clinical decision making on the optimal transition between such steps of care. The Centre for Psychotherapy Research was among the pioneers in the systematic development and evaluation of such novel options of care.

This presentation focuses on the project ‘internet-bridge'. This project was developed in co-operation with a major German health insurance company (Techniker Krankenkasse) and a hospital specialized on psychosomatic medicine (Panorama-Fachklinik).

Patients from all over Germany come to the hospital for an comprehensive inpatient treatment for about 4-8 weeks. At discharge they are encouraged to continue their treatment via internet. 8-10 patients meet weekly in a group together with a professional group-therapists for about 12-15 weeks.

The effectiveness of this novel care model was evaluated in a prospective controlled study. Data from 1-year follow-up investigation clearly demonstrates advantages for the chat participants (n=116) compared with controls (n=116).

The technology proved to be safe and practical. Based on the high patient acceptability and promising effectiveness these new forms of delivery of care are currently working their way into mainstream clinical routine - facilitated through close co-operation of various stakeholders from beginning on.