Researchers found online messaging can be an effective tool for delivering follow-up care in a timely fashion to patients suffering from depression, according to a study published in the Journal of General Internal Medicine.
The study included 208 patients starting antidepressant treatment for depression. Half of the patients were assigned to receive the usual care, and the other half of patients were assigned to three online care management contacts with a trained psychiatric nurse. All communication took place through secured message within an electronic medical record.
Results showed patients offered the online messaging program had higher rates of antidepressant adherence, with 81 percent continuing treatment for more than three months compared to 61 percent of patients who received the usual treatment. Patients who participated in the program also reported much lower depression severity and greater satisfaction with their depression treatment.
Read the study about online messaging for depression patients.
Read other coverage about health IT solutions:
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The study included 208 patients starting antidepressant treatment for depression. Half of the patients were assigned to receive the usual care, and the other half of patients were assigned to three online care management contacts with a trained psychiatric nurse. All communication took place through secured message within an electronic medical record.
Results showed patients offered the online messaging program had higher rates of antidepressant adherence, with 81 percent continuing treatment for more than three months compared to 61 percent of patients who received the usual treatment. Patients who participated in the program also reported much lower depression severity and greater satisfaction with their depression treatment.
Read the study about online messaging for depression patients.
Read other coverage about health IT solutions:
- Report: Providers Expectations Run High for Outpatient Pharmacy Systems
- Vanderbilt Cancer Center Launches Cancer Decision Support Tool
- Study: Hospitals' Use of Interactive Technology Improves Patient Satisfaction