Journal of Telemedicine and Telecare, TOC, July 2008

Telerehabilitation for service delivery in speech-language pathology
“Communication disorders in adults and children can have a significant effect on their quality of life and on that of their families. Speech-language pathologists face several challenges in providing assessment and treatment services to such people. Challenges include facilitating equitable access to services and providing appropriate management within a changing social and economic context. Telerehabilitation has the potential to deliver services in the home or local community via videoconferencing and through interactive computer-based therapy activities. This form of service delivery has the capacity to optimize functional outcomes by facilitating generalization of treatment effects within the person’s everyday environment, and enable monitoring of communication and swallowing behaviours on a long-term basis. A number of image-based telerehabilitation applications have been used in the management of adult neurogenic speech and language disorders, stuttering, voice disorders, speech and language disorders in children, laryngectomy and swallowing dysfunction. Further development of such applications and other computer-based therapies, cost-benefit and cost-effectiveness analyses, and professional education are needed if telerehabilitation is to become an integral part of speech-language pathology practice.”
Abstract
Deborah G Theodoros, J Telemed Telecare 2008;14 221-224, doi:10.1258/jtt.2007.007044

Telehealth: a child and family-friendly approach to mental health-care reform
“Limited access to paediatric mental health services and high drop-out rates from treatment result in poor health outcomes for families with children with mental health problems. New ways of delivering care are required. Telehealth is a promising approach. The Family Help programme employs manualized, distance treatment by telephone. Participants in the Family Help programme (both adults and children) have reported a strong therapeutic alliance with their telephone coach. Participants also described how during treatment sessions they felt comfortable and safe in their own home; they did not feel stigmatized or judged; they had little apprehension about self-disclosure and they felt that treatment was delivered at their convenience. Treatment calls were often scheduled after typical working hours. Attrition rates were found to be very low and children actively engaged in the structured, distance treatment. Evidence-based, distance delivery using non-professionals is a promising approach to the delivery of paediatric mental health care.”
Abstract
Patricia Lingley-Pottie and Patrick J McGrath, J Telemed Telecare 2008;14 225-226, doi:10.1258/jtt.2008.008001

Effect of a behavioural health and specialty care telemedicine programme on goal attainment for youths in juvenile detention
“We conducted a pre-post study of the effect of a telepsychiatry counselling service on youths housed in three juvenile detention facilities. In the first year of the telemedicine programme, 321 psychiatry consultations were conducted via telemedicine; in the second year of the programme, 573 psychiatry consultations were conducted. Records for 190 students were then examined by two raters. The total number of behavioural goals for each adolescent increased from 8.2 in the pre-telemedicine year to 8.7 in the first year of telemedicine and then to 10.0 in the second year (P < 0.05). In Year 2 of the study, subjects also had a significantly higher number of goals in four of the five categories: education, family, health and social skills (P < 0.05). Although other changes at the youth detention facilities or in the juvenile justice system may have been partly responsible for the effects observed, the study suggests that telemedicine may be useful for improving the rate of attainment of goals associated with family relations and personality/behaviour."
Abstract
Karen C Fox, Pamela Connor, Elizabeth McCullers, and Teresa Waters, J Telemed Telecare 2008;14 227-230, doi:10.1258/jtt.2008.071102

Non-invasive monitoring of the activities of daily living of elderly people at home – a pilot study of the usage of domestic appliances
“We conducted a feasibility study of a system for non-invasive monitoring of subjects at home. Electrical activity was recorded from room lights and from electrical domestic appliances; this was translated into the probability of physical activity or a particular Activity of Daily Living (ADL). Thirteen volunteer subjects were monitored for a period of 6.4 months (range 3–8). The mean age of the subjects was 80 years and they all lived alone at home; one had moderate Alzheimer’s disease. A one-week validation was carried out to ascertain whether the recorded activity actually occurred. The results showed that daily and nocturnal activity could be well differentiated. The probability of having eaten, taken a bath and going to the toilet could be calculated each day. Eating was the most accurately measured ADL; toileting and bathing results were less accurate. The system appears to be a promising component of home telecare.”
Abstract
Georgina Corte Franco, Floriane Gallay, Marc Berenguer, Christine Mourrain, and Pascal Couturier, J Telemed Telecare 2008;14 231-235, doi:10.1258/jtt.2008.071207

A paediatric therapeutic alliance occurs with distance intervention
“We investigated whether a distance therapeutic alliance occurs when children receive manualized, cognitive-behavioural treatment via telephone, in the absence of face-to-face contact. The therapeutic alliance scores were measured in 55 child–parent pairs. The mean total Working Alliance Inventory child scores were 236 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 232, 240) and the mean parent scores were 245 (95% CI: 242, 247). Parent scores were significantly higher than child scores, although the difference may not be clinically meaningful. This study provides evidence that a strong therapeutic alliance does occur between child–coach and parent–coach pairs when treatment is delivered from a distance by non-professionals. The term ‘child’ encompasses both children and adolescents.”
Abstract
Patricia Lingley-Pottie and Patrick J McGrath, J Telemed Telecare 2008;14 236-240, doi:10.1258/jtt.2008.080101

International telepsychiatry: a study of patient acceptability
“An international telepsychiatry service was established between Denmark and Sweden for cross-cultural patient groups, such as asylum seekers, refugees and migrants. Over an 18-month period starting in mid 2006, 30 patients were treated by telepsychiatry (21 men and 9 women). The patients received mental health care by videoconferencing from providers who spoke the patients’ own language, i.e. without the assistance of interpreters. The total number of telepsychiatry sessions was 203 (range 1–22; average 6.8 sessions per patient). Patients completed a satisfaction questionnaire at the end of treatment. Seven patients (23%) were not able to complete a questionnaire, due to illiteracy and/or a psychotic condition. The rest of the patients (n=23) reported a high level of acceptance and satisfaction with telepsychiatry, as well as a willingness to use it again or recommend it to others. Any disadvantages of telemedicine were compensated by the fact that the doctor and patient spoke the same language and had similar cultural and/or national references. Mentally ill asylum seekers, refugees and migrants are under-served in their mother tongue and telepsychiatry can improve access to scarce health-care resources.”
Abstract
Davor Mucic , J Telemed Telecare 2008;14 241-243, doi:10.1258/jtt.2008.080301

The availability of telecardiology consultations and transfer patterns from a remote neonatal intensive care unit
“We examined records of all admissions to an isolated community neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) in California between 2001 and 2006. We also reviewed the echocardiograms for diagnosis, disposition of patient and necessity for transport. In 2004, a telemedicine link (mainly store-and-forward) was established to a university children’s hospital (UCH) 290 km away. The number of NICU patients having an echocardiogram increased from 280 (27% of 1029 admissions) to 385 (40% of 963, P = <0.001) after telemedicine became available. There was an increase in the proportion of normal studies, from 31% to 37% (P = 0.03), and an increase in the number of patients diagnosed with cardiac pathology from 192 (19% of all admissions) to 241 (25%, P < 0.001). Twenty-four patients were transferred for cardiac reasons during each three-year period; however seven pre-telemedicine transfers were avoidable, compared with two post-telemedicine transfers (P = 0.06). There was a change in referral pattern (65% to the UCH pre-telemedicine, compared with 78% post-telemedicine) although it was not significant (P = 0.10). Thus the availability of the telecardiology link was associated with increases in the utilization of echocardiography, in the proportion of normal studies, and in the percentage of neonates diagnosed with cardiac pathology without an increase in the number transferred for cardiac reasons. There was a reduction in unnecessary transfers and a strengthened relationship with the centre providing the telecardiology service."
Abstract
Tannie Huang, Anita J Moon-Grady, Craig Traugott, and James Marcin, J Telemed Telecare 2008;14 244-248, doi:10.1258/jtt.2008.080102

Feasibility of a home-based telerehabilitation system compared to usual care: arm/hand function in patients with stroke, traumatic brain injury and multiple sclerosis
“We conducted a randomized controlled multicentre trial to investigate the feasibility of a telerehabilitation intervention for arm/hand function (the Home Care Activity Desk [HCAD] training) in a home setting. Usual care was compared to HCAD training. The hypothesis was that the clinical outcomes of the HCAD intervention would be at least the same as those measured after a period of usual care for patients with stroke, traumatic brain injury (TBI) and multiple sclerosis (MS) with respect to their arm/hand function. Eighty-one patients with affected arm/hand function resulting from either stroke, MS or TBI were recruited in Italy, Spain and Belgium; 11 were lost during follow-up (14%). The outcome measures were the Action Research Arm Test (ARAT) and the Nine Hole Peg Test (NHPT). There were no significant differences between the two groups on the outcome measures (ARAT and NHPT); in both groups, patients maintained or even improved their arm/hand function. The HCAD training was found to be as feasible as usual care in terms of clinical outcomes, and both therapists and patients were satisfied with the HCAD intervention. A telerehabilitation intervention using HCAD may increase the efficiency of care.”
Abstract
Barbara CH Huijgen, Miriam MR Vollenbroek-Hutten, Mauro Zampolini, Eloy Opisso, Montse Bernabeu, Johan Van Nieuwenhoven, Stephan Ilsbroukx, Riccardo Magni, Claudia Giacomozzi, Velio Marcellari, Sandro Scattareggia Marchese, and Hermie J Hermens, J Telemed Telecare 2008;14 249-256, doi:10.1258/jtt.2008.080104

Satisfaction with care in post-stroke patients undergoing a telerehabilitation programme at home
“We conducted a pilot telerehabilitation study with post-stroke patients with arm motor impairment. We compared the degree of satisfaction of patients undergoing a virtual reality (VR) therapy programme at home (Tele-VR group) to satisfaction experienced by those undergoing the same VR therapy in a hospital setting (VR-group). The rehabilitation equipment used a 3D motion tracking system to create a virtual environment in which the patient’s movement was represented. In tele-therapy, the patient equipment was installed in their homes, connected to the hospital by four ISDN lines at a total bandwidth of 512 kbit/s. Rehabilitation data were transmitted via one line and videoconferencing via the other three. Ten patients with mild to intermediate arm motor impairment due to an ischaemic stroke, were randomized into VR or Tele-VR groups. A questionnaire was used at the end of treatment to measure each patient’s degree of satisfaction. Tele-VR treated patients showed median values equal to or higher than the VR group patients in all 12 items investigated, except one. In motor performance, the Tele-VR group improved significantly (P ? 0.05), while the VR group showed no significant change. Patients assigned to the Tele-VR group were able to engage in therapy at home and the videoconferencing system ensured a good relationship between the patient and the physical therapist whose physical proximity was not required.”
Abstract
Lamberto Piron, Andrea Turolla, Paolo Tonin, Francesco Piccione, Lisa Lain, and Mauro Dam, J Telemed Telecare 2008;14 257-260, doi:10.1258/jtt.2008.080304

Caregivers’ acceptance of electronic documentation in nursing homes
“A comparative study was conducted in two Australian nursing homes operated by the same organization. One home had implemented an electronic documentation system and the other remained paper-based. Survey questionnaires were answered by 14 of the 17 caregivers at the electronic documentation site (82%) and 10 of the 23 caregivers at the paper documentation site (43%). They provided opinions about satisfaction with their home’s documentation system, and the training and support provided. Information was also obtained on the caregivers’ attitudes towards using electronic documentation. The caregivers at the electronic documentation site quickly adapted to the use of the new technology after receiving effective training and support. Caregivers at both homes were satisfied with their homes’ documentation system, and had positive attitudes towards using electronic documentation systems. As an important communication tool, electronic nursing documentation may lead to improved efficacy of telemedicine in nursing home settings.”
Abstract
Ping Yu, David Hailey, and Haocheng Li, J Telemed Telecare 2008;14 261-265, doi:10.1258/jtt.2008.080310

The use of videoconferencing for mental health services in Finland
“The utilization of telemental health (TMH) services in Finland was surveyed in 2006. In total, 135 health-care units provided responses. Eighty-four responses were received from primary care units (health-care centres and clinics) and eight from other clinics, in all hospital districts. The overall rate of TMH consultations was 4 per 100,000 population. The highest TMH consultation per population ratio, 22 per 100,000, was in northern Finland. Most of the sites used telepsychiatry services for less than 10% of clinical outpatient services. The sites with over 20% utilization of clinical TMH services from all psychiatric consultations were all rural health centres. Compared with Finland, the utilization rates of TMH were higher in Canada; that might be due to differences between the countries in the organization of mental health services in primary and specialized care. In Finland TMH consultations made up only a very small proportion of all mental health services. The use of TMH was particularly common in remote areas; however, there were many rural centres that did not utilize clinical TMH. TMH was widely utilized for continuing and medical education.”
Abstract
Arto Ohinmaa, Risto Roine, David Hailey, Marja-Leena Kuusimäki, and Ilkka Winblad, J Telemed Telecare 2008;14 266-270, doi:10.1258/jtt.2008.071212

Use of mobile phone cameras for after-hours triage in primary care
“Mobile phone images might be useful in after-hours triage of primary care. We conducted a study to identify population access to mobile phone cameras and to assess the clinical usefulness of mobile phone cameras. The survey was conducted among 480 patients attending two rural New Zealand practices. There were significantly more Maori owners compared to non-Maori (P = 0.002). Age was a significant factor influencing the ownership of mobile phones. We also conducted a clinical quiz among health professionals to assess how the provision of images on a mobile phone and on CD-ROM (to simulate the image that would be seen if email was used to transmit the images) influenced diagnostic confidence. Ten photographable clinical conditions were used to quiz 30 health professionals who were randomized into three groups of 10 each on diagnostic confidence. Images were found to significantly increase diagnostic confidence in all cases except one. It appears that mobile phone cameras are generally acceptable to patients and likely to be of practical use to rural practitioners in a range of clinical scenarios.”
Abstract
Chandra Jayaraman, Paul Kennedy, Gaelle Dutu, and Ross Lawrenson, J Telemed Telecare 2008;14 271-274, doi:10.1258/jtt.2008.080303

Scottish GPs to prescribe telephone therapy

“The Scottish government has issued £3m funding for a three year pilot study on the effects of telephone and online-based cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT).
The funding will be spent on a pilot study with NHS 24, as well as a new self-help CD-Rom, part of the government’s new ‘Living Life To The Full’ initiative.GPs in the Western Isles, Shetland, Borders, Greater Glasgow and Clyde and Lothian regions will be able to refer patients to the telephone based CBT system.”
Article
e-Health Insider Primary Care, 21 July 2008

Medicare bill includes provisions for telehealth

“The Senate approved a bill Thursday that will phase out Medicare’s higher co-pays for mental health services, bringing them in line with co-pays for physical healthcare services.
As a result of advocacy on the part of the National Council, a provision was included in the bill to expand access to mental healthcare in rural America by making community mental health centers eligible to participate in the Medicare telehealth program.”
Article
Molly Merrill, Healthcare IT News, 11 June 2008

Telemedicine and eHealth, TOC, June 2008

Mobile Health Clinics and Telemedicine
“Think of mobile health clinic and what comes to mind? Depending on where you live, it might mean Tommy the Tooth van dispensing free brushes and toothpaste to the community. Maybe a loved one received a mammogram in their small town or received diabetes education. The Lions Club may have sponsored a mobile vision clinic where senior citizens were screened for glaucoma. Perhaps migrant farm workers lined up for
hours to get free medical care while working in the fields. Whether you live in the city or the country, chances are some type of mobile health clinic has visited your community sporting colorful graphics on the outside and various medical/dental services on the inside.”
Article
Kevin D. Blanchet,Telemedicine and e-Health. June 2008, 14(5): 407-412.

Acceptance of Telemonitoring to Enhance Medication Compliance in Patients with Chronic Heart Failure
Sixty-two congestive heart failure patients participated in a controlled, longitudinal study at two ambulatory medical centers in Hamburg, Germany. Two groups, a control (no telemedicine intervention) and the study group (telemedicine) were evaluated for medication intake. A medication box, networked to the patient’s electronic health record, was used for the telemedicine group. The main objective was to evaluate noncompliance of medication intake. The research showed that the system was effective. However, nearly 50% felt it was not necessary to continue the reporting after the study.
Article
Silke Schmidt, Sarah Sheikzadeh, Britta Beil, Monica Patten, Jürgen Stettin, Telemedicine and e-Health. June 2008, 14(5): 426-433.

Clinical Management and Patient Outcomes Among Children and Adolescents Receiving Telemedicine Consultations for Obesity
A retrospective review of patient medical records was conducted of children and adolescents who received pediatric weight management consultations using telemedicine. Ninety-nine patient files were reviewed. Analysis indicated that weight management using telemedicine can result in modification in patient care plans and outcomes.
Article
Ulfat Shaikh, Stacey L. Cole, James P. Marcin, Thomas S. Nesbitt, Telemedicine and e-Health. June 2008, 14(5): 434-440.

Optometric Referrals to Retina Specialists: Evaluation and Triage via Teleophthalmology
A teleophthalmology program linked Canadian optometrists to retina specialists for 171 patients and 190 consultations. In this carefully described study, 21/25 patients who required treatment condensed their visit to the specialist to a single day by having diagnostics done by telemedicine. Office visits to the specialist were reduced by 48%.
Article
Chris Hanson, Matthew T.S. Tennant, Chris J. Rudnisky, Telemedicine and e-Health. June 2008, 14(5): 441-445.

The Value of Provider-to-Provider Telehealth
The Center for Information Technology examined the value of providers with the patient and a distance site using three models of telehealth: store-and-forward, real-time video, and hybrid systems. A detailed literature review was conducted to elucidate where value had been reported. The data was evaluated by a computer simulation, which calculated the national value of provider-to-provider telehealth. Overall, the potential benefits of telehealth far outweigh the implementation costs, especially in emergency departments.
Article
Eric Pan, Caitlin Cusack, Julie Hook, Adam Vincent, David C. Kaelber, David W. Bates, Blackford Middleton, Telemedicine and e-Health. June 2008, 14(5): 446-453.

A Wireless Medical Information Query System Based on Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD)
Wireless data management and data access for telemedicine extend far beyond the realities of short text messaging limits. This report offers a query system based on Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD) that can work at 100 bit/sec with the advantage to limited system consumption, terminal support, and expense.
Article
Zhelong Wang, Hong Gu, Dewei Zhao, Weiming Wang, Telemedicine and e-Health. June 2008, 14(5): 454-460.

Acceptability of Telepsychiatry in American Indians
The acceptability of conducting psychiatric assessments with rural American Indian veterans by real-time videoconferencing versus in person visits was evaluated. Fifty-three North Plains American Indian veterans from the Vietnam Era participated in this study. A videoconferencing link between the University of Colorado at Denver Health Science Center and the rural community was established. Participants were administered the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-III-R (SCID) for psychiatric assessments using this videoconferencing link. This assessment tool was administered face-to-face by telehealth in different ways and by different interviewers. Telepsychiatry was well received and was comparable to in-person interactions.
Article
Jay H. Shore, Elizabeth Brooks, Daniel Savin, Heather Orton, Jim Grigsby, Spero M. Manson, Telemedicine and e-Health. June 2008, 14(5): 461-466.

An Experience of Health Technology Assessment in New Models of Care for Subjects with Parkinson’s Disease by Means of a New Wearable Device
This report characterizes a system combining gastrocnemius expansion measurement unit (GEMU), a step-counting device, with a telemedicine application for patients with Parkinsonism. GEMU by telemedicine correlated strongly with motion decrement in a robust and reliable system, which enjoyed high user acceptance.
Article
Daniele Giansanti, Giovanni Maccioni, Sandra Morelli, Telemedicine and e-Health. June 2008, 14(5): 467-472.

Development of a Multidisciplinary Osteoporosis Telehealth Program
This report from Toronto details a comprehensive women’s bone health program with referrals from 20 family doctors. The patients engaged in an average 2-hour consultation with very positive perceptions. Increased access to care was the principle outcome.
Article
Leigh Dickson, Cathy Cameron, Gillian Hawker, Azeena Ratansi, Ina Radziunas, Vinita Bansod, Susan Jaglal, Telemedicine and e-Health. June 2008, 14(5): 473-478.

Uncompressed Video Image Transmission of Laparoscopic or Endoscopic Surgery for Telemedicine
A robust, high-speed telecommunications link was established between Shanghai, China and Fukuoka, Japan for videoconferencing. This system was utilized to support real-time interactions during laparoscopic and endoscopic surgical procedures. Images, transmitted via a digital video transfer system (DVTS), were evaluated by participating physicians who completed a mini-questionnaire. A number of hospitals across the region participated, including Japan, Korea, Hong Kong, and Taiwan. Thirty-eight physicians completed the questionnaire. The majority (73.8%) indicated the images were very good. This tool has been viewed as an efficient and useful tool for the medical community in this region.
Article
Ke-Jian Huang, Zheng-Jun Qiu, Chun-Yu Fu, Shuji Shimizu, Koji Okamura, Telemedicine and e-Health. June 2008, 14(5): 479-485.

Using e-Health to Enable Culturally Appropriate Mental Healthcare in Rural Areas,br /> Relevant research issues in providing culturally appropriate e-mental health care were reviewed with intent to determine where research efforts could be expanded or prioritized. A workshop was held in California to address the provision of mental health care in rural areas due to a variety of barriers, including language, culture, and poverty. A set of recommendations for expanding and prioritizing research efforts was developed in both science and policy.
Article
Peter Yellowlees, Shayna Marks, Don Hilty, Jay H. Shore, Telemedicine and e-Health. June 2008, 14(5): 486-492.

You’ve got mail — from your shrink

“People use computers to buy cars, locate the nearest Italian restaurant and even find their soul mates. Why not to get mental-health counseling?
A growing number of people are turning to the Internet for therapy via instant messaging, e-mail exchanges or videoconferencing.”
Article
Robyn Shelton, Orlando Sentinel

Texas company offers EMR help for behavioral health providers

“Mental health providers who feel they spend more time dealing with paperwork than patients could find some relief in the upcoming release of electronic records software from Eulogix.
Eulogix, a 14-year-old branch business of Houston-based Computer Tech, has set a May 15 date for the release of its Convergent Therapy Information System, or CTIS, a Web browser-based electronic clinical records software package designed for the mental/behavioral health community.”
Article
Eric Wicklund, Healthcare IT News, 29 April 2008

A Delicate Balance: Behavioral Health, Patient Privacy, and the Need to Know

“Health care providers who disclose or share patients’ personally identifiable information about mental health and substance abuse treatment expose themselves and their patients to significant legal and other risks, including employment and insurance discrimination. Yet manual or electronic sharing of such information can help promote a more comprehensive picture of a patient’s needs and reduce the risk of treatment errors.
This issue brief explores federal and state laws governing health information privacy as they relate to mental health and substance abuse treatment. It also presents three scenarios illustrating some of the challenges in finding the right balance between privacy and disclosure. To help reconcile the competing interests involved, the authors recommend that health care providers give mental health and substance abuse patients the technological tools to grant disclosure. And they propose that providers ensure that such patients are truly informed about the potential implications of not permitting their personal information to be released to other health professionals.
Finally, the authors recommend that penalties for violating privacy laws be swift and serious so that mental health and substance abuse patients have greater confidence in the appropriate disclosure and sharing of their information.”
Report
Californian Healthcare Foundation, March 2008

Online Tools Target Mental Health Care Industry

“Patients with mental health disorders, as well as the mental health professionals who treat them, are increasingly tapping the Internet for resources and support as new online tools begin to better reflect their needs.
Use of the Internet by health care consumers is up as a whole. A Harris Interactive survey found that the percentage of online U.S. adults who searched for health care information online increased from 72% in 2005 to 84% in 2007. For mental health patients and professionals, the Internet has the potential to knock down barriers in receiving and providing care, according to experts.”
Article
Kate Ackerman, iHealthBeat, 18 January 2008

New Web Site Launched for Mental Health Professionals

“Consultapeer has launched its new Web site http://www.consultapeer.com which allows mental health professionals to consult with their peers in a secured environment, in real-time and online. The site provides exclusive membership for licensed Master’s, Doctoral or MD level professionals only. This Web site was created by a therapist for therapists and is completely ad free.”
Article
PRWeb, 9 January 2008

Electronic patient data exchange: eHealth Board recommends changes to mental health law

“The Governor’s eHealth Board has recommended changes to the state’s mental health statute that could pave the way for legislation to accommodate electronic patient data exchange.
Wisconsin’s mental health laws have been a barrier to the electronic exchange of patient data, especially among healthcare facilities in Madison. Health care providers here have been working with Epic Systems to develop a data exchange structure that originally was expected to “go live” over the summer, but was sidetracked by the objections of mental health advocates.”
Article
Joe Vanden Plas, Wisconsin Technology Network, 19 December 2007

Empowering the impaired through the appropriate use of Information Technology and Internet

Ishita Sanyal
Founder Secretary, Turning Point, a rehabilitation center; Director Disha, a child guidance center; Member of WFSAD (World Fellowship for Schizophrenia and allied disorder); Indian Representative of ISPS (The International Society for Psychological Treatment of Schizophrenias and other Psychoses); Director of NAMI, India, Eastern Region

Abstract

Developments in the fields of science and technology have revolutionized Human Life at material level. But in actuality, this progress is only superficial: underneath modern men and women are living in conditions of great mental and emotional stress, even in developed and affluent countries. People from all over the world irrespective of culture and economic background suffer from mental illness and though a number of researches are carried out worldwide but till date it has not been possible to resolve the problem.
In today’s world stress is increasing everyday. The individualistic approach towards life; the neonatal family system has increased the burden even further. Without adequate support system of friends and relatives – people are falling prey to mental illness. The insecurities, the inferiority feelings of these persons lead to disruption of communication between the sufferer and the family members and friends. The sufferers prefer to confine themselves within the four walls of their home and remain withdrawn from the whole world. They prefer to stay in touch with their world of fantasy – far away from the world of reality. Disability caused by some of the mental illnesses often remains invisible to the society leading to lack of support system and facilities for them.

These unfortunate disabled persons not only need medication and counseling but a thorough rehabilitation programme to bring them back to the main stream of life. The task being not an easy one. According to the research works these persons need some work and income to improve their quality of life.

In this scenario where society is adverse towards them, where stigma towards mental illness prevails; where help from friends and community is not available- training them in computer and forming groups through computer was thought to be an ideal option for the solution- a solution to the problems of modern life through modern technology.

• It was seen that this insecure disabled persons feel free to experiment with machine more easily than with society and people.
• Computer provides them the needed education and information needed for their further developments.
• Computers provide them facilities to interact with others and form self-help groups.
• Computers also enabled them to earn their livelihood.

Thus this modern gadget, which is sometimes believed to make a man loner, has been actually acting as the bridge between the persons suffering from mental illness to the society in general. The disabled person also gains confidence and courage as they gain control over the machine. Gaining control over the machine helps them to gain control over their life. The product of Science and technology has been seen to revolutionized Human Life not only in material level but also on personal level helping the disabled to gain control over their lives.