Most impressive digitally-enabled health/social care serviceThis category recognises health and/or care services which have embedded digital tools and services into improving people’s experience and outcomes as well as improving efficiency. It also recognises digital tools and services designed to be embedded in a health or care service You may have created a new digital technology or be using existing technology to make a big difference to people’s lives.
Ieso Digital Health – offers online talking therapy using internet-enabled CBT (cognitive behavioural therapy). All therapy is conducted by a BABCP-accredited (British Association of Behavioral and Cognitive Psychotherapies) therapist, and is suitable for those suffering mild to severe mental health issues. It is the first ever service of its kind to provide CBT over the internet using written (synchronous) text via a laptop, tablet or mobile. It’s already been commissioned by 26 NHS CCGs across England. Founded in 2000, its patients achieve recovery in 50% fewer sessions than those who undergo face-to-face therapy, saving the NHS around £500 per patient compared to traditional services, according to independent research. Website: www.iesohealth.com
More about Ieso Digital Health
Ieso Digital Health is unique in its model as it offers discreet, secure online talking therapy with a live cognitive behavioral therapist. Its aim is to improve access to evidence-based mental health therapy by offering an alternative, outside of work hours at a time and place convenient to the patient. Not only is online talking therapy flexible for patients, it also provides discreet access for those harder to reach patient groups by overcoming stigma and the need to travel. The biggest difference to other mental health services currently available is that Ieso Digital Health uses the internet for patients to communicate on a one-to-one level with an accredited therapist. Unlike computer-aided cognitive behavioural therapy (cCBT) where patients use automated programs on the computer to help them through symptoms of depression and anxiety, Ieso Digital Health offers a real life therapist at the other end of the internet-enabled device, whether it is a smartphone, tablet or computer.
Ieso Digital Health also provides patients with more frequent access to their therapist, through secure asynchronous messaging in between therapy sessions, this enhances the therapeutic relationship and assists with improving clinical outcomes. At Ieso Digital Health, Clinical Lead, Sarah Bateup leads a team of psychologists who undergo a rigorous screening process to ensure they are delivering the best and most effective model of CBT therapy. While sessions are unlimited, research conducted by Ieso Digital Health shows that recovery times are not only faster than traditional IAPT (Improving Access to Psychological Therapies) face-to-face therapies, but that relapses are also rarer. Part of this is believed to be due to the fact Ieso Digital Health patients are writing, rather than speaking and listening, and transcripts of their conversations can be accessed by the patient to reiterate learnings and see how much progress has been made during their treatment.
Communicating via text breaks down barriers and allows patients to open up more quickly and get to the heart of what is bothering them. Also, in some areas of the UK, patients can self-refer meaning they are instantly involved in their own treatment.
Ieso Digital Health was first commissioned by NHS Surrey to help with its long waiting list of patients requiring CBT. Patients were referred to the service by their GP. Due to the flexibility of online talking therapy, Ieso Digital Health was able to provide more convenient and faster access to therapy than current available methods within the area.An analysis of 369 patients from Surrey, who finished a course of treatment showed a better recovery than the IAPT national average and higher levels of therapy completion. This was achieved with half the number of therapy sessions than face-to-face therapy. All patients were in caseness for GAD and/or PHQ at the start of treatment.
Our data shows: 52% recovery (vs 46% IAPT 2014 average), 68% reliable improvement (vs 60% IAPT 2014 average). The study also proved that flexibility is important to patients, with 67% booking appointments in ‘out of office’ hours. Due to the convenience and discretion of our service we witnessed a greater level of therapy session attendance, with 92% completed sessions. Overall our clinical recovery rate in the Surrey area was 65%.