E-health – modern technologies in mental health care

Abstract

Purpose: The article has two main objectives: firstly, to present major issues concerning e-health, with particular emphasis on characteristics of this paradigm, patient involvement in interventions used within the e-health framework, and their effectiveness. The other aim was to discuss the e-health paradigm aspects important in diagnostics and treatment of the mentally ill. Views: As reported in the literature, e-health paradigm solutions turned out to be highly effective in prevention, diagnosis and treatment of not only somatic conditions including cardiovascular diseases, sickle cell anemia, psoriasis, inflammatory bowel disease, interstitial cystitis, hearing impairment and osteoporosis, but also mental disorders such as substance dependence, depression, bipolar affective disorder, anxiety, distress, mental suffering, suicidal thoughts, or obsessive-compulsive behaviors. E-interventions were also used to prepare patients for surgery and to support their postoperative recovery. Conclusions: Recognition of diverse applications of e-health tools can help design psychological interventions targeting vulnerable patient populations. This approach allows reducing costs and improving effectiveness of psychotherapy via e.g. increasing treatment intensity using digital technologies, or helping patients to integrate therapeutic strategies in their daily life between sessions. The benefits of e-health technologies implementation include increased patient participation in healthcare decision making. However, there are some limitations: financial, language and literacy barriers, power supply issues, data security and privacy issues.