USE OF TECHNOLOGY TO MANAGE PATIENTS WITH SUBSTANCE ABUSE

Background and Aim : Today, much attention has been paid to the use of digital (computer-based) technologies to address substance use problems. E-health can target a broad range of substance use behaviors and is applied in various preventive, curative and harm reduction interventions. For example a web-based self-help intervention tool has been developed by world health organization in four pilot countries, Belarus, Brazil, India and Mexico. This study examines the benefits and barriers of using technology to care for patients with substance abuse. Methods : A selective literature search was carried out And articles that examined the role of e health were studied.Results : There are a number of advantages to the use of e-health, including more access to evidence-based information and treatment, tailoring treatment or information to specific populations, providing services to people who are scared of addiction stigmatization, increasing patient-centered of interventions and interactive contact between providers and patients. Despite these benefits, one of the obstacles to using E-technology is the need for infrastructures such as computers, the Internet at the right speed, having computer skills also E-health applications may be less suitable for people who have reading problems, because of its textual nature.Conclusion : Despite the fact that the use of technology in terms of substance abuse managment has not been long before, it seems that even the developing countries can provide the infrastructure to benefits of this technology.

کلیدواژه ها:

substance abuse ، technology ، prevention