The Comparison of treatment follow-up of War Wounded with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder by telecommunication technology and face-to-face method

Abstract

Abstract Background: War veterans suffer from more acute mental and behavioral problems than the general population. Considering that physical limitations, distance and time are major obstacles to access to mental health services for veterans and warriors. Objective: The comparison was based on treatment costs, access to health services, completion of therapy sessions, and patient satisfaction as variables. Methods & Materials: This research was a randomized clinical trial conducted in 2015 to 2016 in Tabriz, Iran. Totally, 60 patients were included in the study. Then, by applying simple randomization, patients were divided into experimental and control groups, both of whom were treated through face-to-face consultations for the first three sessions. Six follow-up sessions were then held remotely with the experimental group and face to face with the control group which sessions were carried out over the course of 3 months with each session lasting for 20 minutes. Data were collected using a self-designed and reliable questionnaire and entered in SPSS version 16. Intergroup comparisons were performed using descriptive and inferential statistical measures. Results: A significant relationship was found between the use of information technology and increased patient satisfaction, completion of therapy sessions, and reduction in treatment costs, but no significant difference was found between the groups in terms of reduction in waiting time and access to a psychiatrist. Conclusion: Telepsychiatry is an effective means of delivering mental health services to psychiatric outpatients living in remote areas with limited resources. The results provide preliminary support for the use of telepsychiatry in treating PTSD and improving access to care. Key Words: Warfare; Post-Traumatic Stress Disorders; Telemedicine; Informatics