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 Pedersen Danish 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 minutes.

Experiences so far based on 39 patients from the remote islands, who began treatment in the period June 1st 2005 – April 1st 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   MedCom  Danish Centre for Health Telematics 