A brief outline of the use of new technologies for treating substance use disorders in the European Union

Background: Clinicians in the field of drug addiction have started to exploit the growth of Technology-Based Interventions (TBIs). However, there is little information on how health personnel evaluate them. Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted among 20 European experts. Results: All of...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Quaglio, Gianluca (Author) , Kiefer, Falk (Author)
Format: Article (Journal)
Language:English
Published: [August 12, 2017]
In: European addiction research
Year: 2017, Volume: 23, Issue: 4, Pages: 177-181
ISSN:1421-9891
DOI:10.1159/000478904
Online Access:Verlag, Volltext: http://dx.doi.org/10.1159/000478904
Verlag, Volltext: https://www.karger.com/Article/FullText/478904
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Author Notes:Gianluca Quaglio, Arnt Schellekens, Matthijs Blankers, Eva Hoch, Theodoros Karapiperis, Giovanni Esposito, Helmut Brand, David Nutt, Falk Kiefer
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Summary:Background: Clinicians in the field of drug addiction have started to exploit the growth of Technology-Based Interventions (TBIs). However, there is little information on how health personnel evaluate them. Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted among 20 European experts. Results: All of the interviewees recognised TBIs as a valuable tool to improve the management of substance-use disorders (SUDs). Most interviewees indicated that combining both traditional face-to-face therapist-patient clinic appointment with TBIs is probably the most effective method. Most interviewees agree that TBIs are valuable tools to overcome both physical and social barriers, and hence significantly facilitate the access to treatment. Poor infrastructure and lack of digital literacy are recognised as major barriers to the diffusion of these tools. Conclusions: The application of various forms of technology in SUD treatment is an interesting development for the European Union. Technical and non-technical barriers exist and impede their full exploitation.
Item Description:Gesehen am 22.10.2018
Physical Description:Online Resource
ISSN:1421-9891
DOI:10.1159/000478904