ICare – Integrating Technology into Mental Health Care
The body of evidence for Internet-based interventions for the prevention and treatment of mental health conditions has grown rapidly in the past decade. Yet many European countries have not implemented these effective approaches into health systems. Individuals with risk conditions or distinct mental health problems interested in using online interventions are often unable to access appropriate and evidence-based online interventions.
The aim of ICare researchers from Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Spain, the UK and the Netherlands is to change this by establishing a comprehensive model of promoting mental health in Europe. The ICare online platform encompasses evidence-based risk detection, disease prevention, and treatment facilitation for common mental health disorders.
ICare is designed to improve existing healthcare models, open new access paths and overcome traditional implementation barriers. ICare addresses several main goals of EU health policy, European Commission eHealth Action Plan 2012-2020: Improving the quality of health care, improving access to health care, improving effectiveness and acceptance of eHealth tools.