Using the Internet to enhance the treatment of depression.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: Deficiencies in Australia's mental health systems persist despite over a decade of mental health reform. Recent developments in e-health provide the opportunity to facilitate health reform and improve services. This paper presents preliminary findings from the implementation of a comprehensive e-health system, called RecoveryRoad, which was designed to augment the routine clinical treatment of depression. METHODS: Depressed patients (n = 144) were referred to RecoveryRoad from a public hospital and public and private clinics in Perth, Western Australia. Online features included secure e-consultations, progress monitoring questionnaires, psychoeducation and evidence-based therapy. ..