Cited by 80Digital Mental Health InterventionsTelemedicine and Telehealth ImplementationMobile Health and mHealth Applications

Using the Internet to enhance the treatment of depression

Robertson, Lucy, Smith, Michael, Castle, David, Tannenbaum, Dennis·2006·Australasian Psychiatry

Abstract

Objective: Deficiencies in Australia's mental health systems persist despite over a decade of mental health reform. Recent developments in ehealth 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. Treating clinicians had online access to patients’ progress monitoring outcomes and e-consultations. There were two types of adherence reminders: automated email reminders and personalized case management delivered by email and telephone. Results: Adherence to the system was high (from 53% to 84%, depending on the modality of reminder), and self-reported medication adherence was over 90%. Average depression severity declined from severe to mild by the eighth session, a large effect (d = 1.0). Both clinicians and patients were generally satisfied with the programme and reported that it improved clini-cian–patient relationships. Clinicians also reported that it helped patients to better manage depression. Conclusions: Preliminary findings support the feasibility of comprehensive e-health systems in enhancing the delivery of mental health care.

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Crossref · 10.1080/j.1440-1665.2006.02315.x

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Authors
Robertson, L., Smith, M., Castle, D., & Tannenbaum, D.
Affiliations
  • Sentiens, West Perth, WA, Australia
  • The University of Melbourne (AU)
Corresponding author
Castle, David
Venue
Australasian Psychiatry
Published
2006-12
Volume
14
Issue
4
Pages
413-417
ISSN
  • 1039-8562 (ISSN-L)
  • 1440-1665
OpenAlex
W2143647423
Cited by
80
References
24
Citations by year
2026: 1 · 2025: 2 · 2024: 2 · 2023: 2 · 2021: 6 · 2020: 3 · 2019: 2 · 2018: 4 · 2017: 4 · 2016: 7 · 2015: 1 · 2014: 5 · 2013: 8 · 2012: 4
FWCI
6.43
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
closed
Locations
  • Australasian Psychiatry (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
Topics
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Applied Psychology › Digital Mental Health Interventions
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health › Telemedicine and Telehealth Implementation
  • Health Sciences › Health Professions › General Health Professions › Mobile Health and mHealth Applications
Keywords
depression treatment, e-health, online therapy, e-consultation, medication adherence, progress monitoring, psychoeducation, provider satisfaction, patient satisfaction, clinician-patient relationship, mental health service delivery
MeSH terms
Depressive Disorder, Major, Major Depressive Disorder, Humans, Patient Compliance, Referral and Consultation, Time Factors, Treatment Outcome, Internet

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