Project workplan
The study includes five phases.
I. A multi-service, information technology based portal (Mieli.Net) to be used by clients and health professionals will be developed based on surveys and interviews to satisfy patients’ needs.
II. The impact of IT on patients' well-being, knowledge level and functioning will be evaluated using a randomized controlled trial design with three fingers (individual randomisation).
Participants who satisfy the inclusion criteria and consent to the trial will be randomised to one of three groups. Group A (an experimental group) with 100 patients, will receive the five need-based computerised information sessions; Group B (n = 100 patients) will have five oral sessions on their education programs; and Group C (n = 100) will receive standard care, i.e. no special educational sessions developed for this study will be offered to patients.
III. The impact of use of health technology will be analysed from staff and organisation perspectives before and after the trial (staff knowledge, skills and attitudes, organizational operations).
IV. Inter-individual differences in total and component costs over time and their associations with individuals' characteristics at study entry and subsequently will be analysed by reference to the alternative intervention.
V. The links between outcomes and costs will be investigated to conclude which option is the most cost-effective and desirable from the patient's, staff’ and organisation's perspective.
In addition, recommendations for IT use in the field of mental health care will be developed.