Opportunities
Outreach-Online: A Mental Health Tool
The Technology
The most common mental health disorders in the UK are depression and anxiety and in 2000 it was estimated that 1 in 6 adults suffer from these illnesses. This has led to mental health services being over-stretched and unable to offer the level of care required by mentally ill patients. In response to this increased demand, a number of computerised cognitive behaviour therapy (cCBT) tools have been developed and NICE has issued a technology appraisal recommending two cCBT packages for the treatment of depression and anxiety. By using a combination of established and innovative methods an NHS Trust has developed a guided online self-help cCBT package for anxiety and depression. The programme, know as Outreachonline consists of a comprehensive 10- week course and is designed to be used along side a mental health professionals who will offer participants support, guidance and encouragement throughout the programme.
The Advantages
- Can be used in a home environment over the Internet on a stand alone computer in a healthcare setting
- Can be used when it is convenient for the patient as it is available 24 hours, 365 days a year.
- Reduces the stigma attached with attending treatment centres
- Serves as a self-help manual
The Potential Market
There is increasing evidence that suggests that cCBT is one way to improve access to psychological therapies. Therefore as a cCBT tool, Outreach-online may provide assistance in delivering innovative, costeffective solutions to help relieve a patient's depression and anxiety and reduce waiting list times in the NHS.
The Opportunities
We are looking for a commercial partner with an interest in the licensing and marketing of this software
The Contact
For more information about this or other technologies available for commercialisation through TrusTECH, contact:
Dr Denise Farrall
Technology Manager
TrusTECH
The Innovation Unit
1st Floor, Postgraduate Centre
Manchester Royal Infirmary
Manchester
M13 9WL
T: 0161 276 5762