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Forhelse SFI and TIPS presented at the IEPA15 conference

Forhelse SFI was well-represented at the IEPA conference, with five researchers from our partner, TIPS (Section for Early Intervention in Psychosis Advisory Service) at Oslo University Hospital. They effectively presented their research findings through poster sessions.

Publisert 09.10.2025
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Kristin Lie Romm: Drawing a Better Future for Video Consultations in Mental Health Care

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Kristin Lie Romm, TIPS,Oslo University Hospital

Video consultations (VC) have the potential to significantly reduce service inequalities in mental healthcare, especially in rural areas where access to specialists is limited. However, despite their benefits, VCs have struggled to become a standard mode of care. One reason for this is the lack of tools that can effectively replicate the familiar, collaborative experience of in-person therapy. 

To address this, Romm’s study focused on identifying needs and ideas to design a new concept for an interactive digital board. The goal was to enhance cognitive behavioral therapy during VCs. The project developed an interactive video called Drawn to Recovery, a collaborative tool that allows both clinicians and service users to work on the board simultaneously. By integrating perspectives from both groups, this innovative project aims to increase the value and adoption of VCs in psychotherapy. The video tool Drawn to Recovery has the potential to overcome key barriers by offering an engaging and collaborative tool to improve the therapeutic experience.

Linn N. Støme: Early Assessment for Relapse Prevention in Substance Use Disorders

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Linn N. Støme, TIPS, Oslo University Hospital and Forhelse, WP 3 earlyHTA

Patients with substance use disorders (SUD) face a high risk of relapse, with 40-60% relapsing within a year of recovery. To combat this, a new research project evaluated clinical practices and socio-economic potential, leading to the implementation of a Recovery Management Checkup (RMC) program for patients discharged from clinical care.

This project elaborated on an early health technology assessment (eHTA). A set workshops was held to explore potential interventions that could meet the needs of SUD patients. Data from the Norwegian Patient Registry was used to assess where in the care pathway increased follow-up would have impact, and a budget impact analysis assessed the financial implications of the RMC intervention.

The study’s results showed that enhanced post-treatment follow-up was associated with improved readmission outcomes. This demonstrates how an early assessment of user needs and potential economic effects can guide the development and implementation of sustainable and effective interventions.

Linn N. Støme: The Socio-Economic Value of Integrated Placement and Support

Employment is strongly linked to better outcomes for individuals with substance use disorders and helps prevent relapse. In Norway, unemployment estimates for this patient group are exceptionally high, ranging from 81% to 89%.

Individual Placement and Support (IPS) is an evidence-based method designed to help people with severe mental disorders find and maintain employment. In this study, researcher Linn Støme and her colleagues used an early Health Technology Assessment (eHTA) model to project the socio-economic potential of IPS. They populated the model with data from a randomized controlled trial that compared the effects of IPS versus «Enhanced TAU» (self-help guidebooks and workshop participation) for patients in specialized SUD treatment at Oslo University Hospital.

The model showed promising results on socio-economic value of implementing IPS. These findings highlight the challenge of estimating the effects of preventive measures in healthcare. Economic simulations are a valuable tool for visualizing future scenarios and promoting sustainable, impactful innovations in healthcare.

Sofie R. Aminoff: Building a Coping Toolkit for Relatives of People with Bipolar Disorders

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Sofie R. Aminoff, TIPS,
Oslo University Hospital

The web-based tool REACT NORV offers remote support for family members of individuals with psychotic disorders. The tool has already received positive feedback from both clinicians and relatives in Norway, who use it to deliver psychoeducation and support through online meetings.

TIPS has now created a user-centered task force to develop a customized version of REACT NORV specifically for relatives of people with bipolar disorder. The study’s focus has been on identifying and explaining key areas relevant to bipolar disorder, with a strong emphasis on managing the nuanced manic and depressive episodes and the challenges of daily life between episodes.

As a result of this research, a new version, REACT NORV Bipolar, will launch in 2025 for pilot testing by clinicians and relatives through the Norwegian National Network for Family Cooperation.

Mari Skoge: Behind the Screen – A Qualitative Study of Video Consultations

Mari Skoge presented a study aimed at informing the future of digitalized healthcare by exploring professionals’ experiences and attitudes toward video consultations (VC) in various clinical settings. The study interviewed 24 clinicians and leaders and found that their attitudes toward VC were strongly linked to their personal experience with the technology, rather than the type of sector (public or private) in which they worked.

Skoge’s findings suggest that future digitalization efforts should focus on addressing higher-level societal and cultural factors. It is also clear that the clinical use of VC should be integrated into the training of mental health professionals. The study concluded that there is significant, untapped potential for innovation by increasing knowledge-sharing between different professional environments and by improving VC technologies themselves.

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Mari Skoge, TIPS,
Oslo University Hospital

IEPA Conference Highlights

Drawing on a wide range of regional and international scientists, clinicians, and mental health professionals, the IEPA conference featured an exciting lineup of speakers. There was also a strong presence and involvement from individuals with lived experience, who shared their perspectives and actively participated in the conversations.

Read more about IEPA15

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