Jun 01
- June, 01 2019
- Dr. Sam Ozersky, MD
Dr. Sam Ozersky | University Health Network - Toronto General Hospital
Presented at the 8th Annual E-Mental Health Conference
New Generations, New Services
Canadian physicians lack a universal, standardized process to clinically address problems in patients with mental disorders. The current sub-optimal assessment and treatment planning results in poor outcomes for close to 80% of mental health patients in primary care.
FeelingBetterNow.com®, an e-mental health platform for assessment and treatment, was developed and piloted in a small population of patients from an addictions clinic and an automotive company EAP (N=16) with previously diagnosed disorders. They completed the DSM-V based assessment prior to their next appointment as part of a physician’s intake process. CGI-S scores were obtained at baseline and CGI-I scores were obtained post-assessment. Changes in diagnoses and treatment were also assessed.
Preliminary results demonstrated the effectiveness of the assessment and treatment planner in facilitating the physician’s adjustment of diagnosis and treatment. 15 of 16 cases had a diagnosis and treatment change. Comparisons on the CGI-S and CGI-I scales demonstrated an average of 3 points of improvement with assessment use.
A DSM-V based online assessment program has potential to improve outcomes of mental health patients in primary care.
Evidence-based e-mental health technologies have potential to standardize, streamline, and improve clinical practice and enhance quality of mental health care.
Download a PDF poster here:
FeelingBetterNow.com®: a digital mental health platform for optimizing mental health in primary care – A Pilot Study