What's New | November 24, 2010

eBehavioral Health

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is effective in treating depression and anxiety disorders. However, individuals who could benefit from CBT may not have access to a therapist or avoid seeing a therapist due to stigma. These patients can benefit from new technologies that enable them to have remote access to CBT.

The featured Innovations describe two electronic methods of improving behavioral health: a mobile phone application with CBT exercises and Internet-enabled instant messaging with a CBT-trained therapist.

The featured QualityTools describe telepsychiatry guidelines and electronic patient safety alerts.

Featured Innovations:

• Between-Session Access to Mobile Cognitive Behavioral Self-Assessment and Exercises Improves Self-Awareness and Ability to Manage Strong Emotions

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy via Instant Messaging May Enhance Access to Therapy for Some Patients With Depression

Featured QualityTools:

• MedWatch Safety Alerts
Developed by Food and Drug Administration (U.S.)

• Telepsychology Guidelines
Developed by Ohio Psychological Association

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Also in This Issue:

Innovations >

• Comprehensive Program to Change Hand Hygiene Culture Improves Adherence to Disinfection Guidelines, Leading to Lower Infection Rates and Costs

• Health Navigators Support Self-Management With Primary Care Patients, Leading to Improved Behaviors and Lower Utilization
with Story

• Integrated Behavioral Health Reduces Depression and Anxiety in Primary Care Patients, Improving Quality of Life and Reducing Costs

• Personalized Support Improves Patient-Physician Communication and Enhances Decisionmaking for Breast Cancer Patients

• Pharmacy Residents Work 24-Hour Hospital Shifts, Leading to Few Dosing Errors and High Levels of Guideline Adherence

QualityTools >

• 2008 National Healthcare Disparities Report
Developed by Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality

• 2008 National Healthcare Quality Report
Developed by Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality

• Hand Hygiene at Massachusetts General Hospital: Because We Care
Developed by Massachusetts General Hospital

• Parents Helping Parents Fight Asthma
Developed by Aurora-Sinai Hospital; Children's Hospital of Wisconsin; Children's Medical Center Dallas; Medical College of Wisconsin; University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center; Wheaton Franciscan - St. Joseph

• The Safety Reporting Portal
Developed by Food and Drug Administration (U.S.); National Institutes of Health