tele-therapy: alcohol rehabilitation based on video conference between patient and therapist anette...
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Tele-Therapy: Alcohol rehabilitation based on video conference between patient and therapist
Anette Søgaard Nielsen, Alcohol Rehabilitation Centre, Odense, Denmark
Christina E. Wanscher & Claus Duedal PedersenDanish Centre for Health Telematics, Denmark
Rehabilitation of alcohol dependents – in general
Rehabilitation based on out-patient treatment
It is individual therapy, mostly consisting of cognitive-behavioral elements
In the beginning of the treatment, these sessions will be offered once a week, and after a few weeks about once or twice a month
There is no time limit for patients in treatment, but typically, treatment lasts 6 to 12 months
Aim of tele-therapy
To make it easy to seek alcohol rehabilitation therapy, and to secure compliance, especially for patients living on remote islands, hence having problems with transportations to the Rehabilitation Centre on the main island.
To create a non-stigmatizing environment for therapy
To create a flexible treatment system
Treatment facilities
Video-conference equipment is installed in the Rehabilitation Centre on the main island (Funen)
Via this equipment and a safe Internet connection alcohol dependents on two remote islands can receive professional therapy in local, non-stigmatising surroundings
The treatment
The local staff at the islands helps the patients with the tele-equipment, and then leaves the patient alone in the room.
The patient then talks with the therapist at the Rehabilitation Centre situated at the main island ‘as usual’, i.e. as if it was a face-to-face-session. The therapy session lasts 30-45 minutes.
Experiences so far
based on 39 patients from the remote islands, who began treatment in the period June 1st 2005 – April 1st 2006.
Patients, who received tele-therapy stayed longer in therapy (223 days versus 162 days (mean))
Perspectives
Brief intervention in hospital settings Brief intervention in collaboration with
GPs Treatment in prisons Treatment in the patient’s own home etc
More information
Anette Søgaard Nielsen [email protected] www.fyns-amt.dk
MedCom www.medcom.dk
Danish Centre for Health Telematics www.cfst.dk