e-CAM
Background/Purpose
The Consumer Advocacy Model (CAM) was an outpatient program that provided specialized services for individuals with substance use disorders and/or mental illness, especially those with co-occurring disabilities. Using technological enhancements through the e-CAM program, CAM utilized electronic resources to meet the needs of consumers and to help overcome barriers to accessibility. Consumers accessed services via web portals that were created and tailored specifically to meet their individual needs. These portals were designed to minimize barriers and improve accessibility. For example, American Sign Language videos and English audio formats were provided for Deaf consumers and for those with low literacy, respectively. Other resources included automated text messages and email appointment reminders, access to electronic health records, and online video counseling sessions.
Goals
- Enhance traditional SUD treatment for CAM consumers by developing a patient communication portal with secure personal web pages (optimized for mobile devices) that permit text-based communication with counselors and provide schedule reminders and access to the personal online videoconferencing room (to meet with staff) and online support groups.
- Enhance traditional SUD treatment for CAM consumers by developing a “one-stop” online model for resources (including locations of treatment facilities, regular webinars, and other educational resources, such as self-directed learning modules and self-help programs) that are largely audio-visual to meet needs of the low-literacy consumer population.
- Enhance traditional SUD treatment for CAM consumers by developing the meaningful use of EHR information and access for the consumer directly and providing consumers with informational updates on their treatment goals, health statistics, and chronic health conditions.
- Meet CAM consumers where they are by providing online resources that they can and will use, in the format and location(s) that they can access. Goal 5: Evaluate the use of personal web pages and online resources by consumers and assess whether access to these electronic resources improves recovery from SUD.
Outcomes
CAM consumers who were enrolled in e-CAM showed a significant increase in the number of appointments that they kept compared to consumers who were not enrolled in e-CAM. They also had significantly more kept appointments than they did no-shows. Furthermore, e-CAM consumers reported significantly less drug use, overall improvement in their social well-being, decreased mental health issues, and a decrease in the limiting roles that mental health issues had on their daily lives.
Grant Type
Direct Service
Funded By
SAMHSA, Center for Substance Abuse Treatment (CSAT)
Grant No.
TI023833
Principal Investigator
Josephine Wilson, D.D.S., Ph.D.
Primary Contact
Partner Agencies
- Consumer Advocacy Model (CAM)
- Samaritan Behavioral Health, Inc.
Publications and Presentations
- Embree, J. A., Wilson, J. F., & Huber, J.-M. (2013a, March 17-20). e-CAM: A virtual health information one-stop [Conference session]. American Academy of Health Behavior Annual Scientific Meeting, Santa Fe, NM, United States.
- Embree, J. A., Wilson, J. F., & Huber, J.-M. (2013b, November 2-6). e-CAM: A virtual health information one-stop for enhancing SUD treatment services for consumers with co-occurring disabilities [Poster presentation]. American Public Health Association Annual Meeting & Expo, Boston, MA, United States.
- Huber, J.-M., Embree, J. A., & Wilson, J. F. (2015, October 31-November 4). e-CAM: Using technology to create culturally appropriate and accessible treatment for recovery from substance use disorders [Poster presentation]. American Public Health Association Annual Meeting & Expo, Chicago, IL, United States.
- Huber., J.-M., Embree, J. A., & Wilson, J. F. (2016b, October 29-November 3). e-CAM: Addressing multiple barriers to substance abuse treatment [Poster presentation]. American Public Health Association Annual Meeting & Expo, Denver, CO, United States.
