A groundbreaking digital health hub named eCLiPSE (electronic Clinical Pathways to Service Excellence) is now available to provide evidence-based support for individuals facing mental health and substance use disorders. Developed through a collaborative effort between the University of Sydney and the University of Newcastle, this digital platform aims to address the rising challenges associated with mental health and substance use issues, which have been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The global pandemic has taken a significant toll on mental health, with studies showing a more than 25% increase in new cases of depression and anxiety. The effects of the pandemic on alcohol and substance use are still being comprehensively understood. This upsurge in mental health and substance use problems poses a potential threat to the healthcare system’s capacity to deliver timely assistance and treatment to individuals in need.
Recognizing these challenges, the digital hub eCLiPSE was conceived to enhance access to evidence-based, effective support for individuals facing co-occurring mental health and substance use problems. This digital resource and website are aimed at providing a comprehensive solution for those in need, offering a range of self-help resources, self-monitoring tools, and nine evidence-based online programs to address these complex issues.
eCLiPSE operates around the clock and is available at no cost to users. It offers self-help resources such as factsheets and features that allow individuals to track their progress. The platform’s nine online programs are designed to address co-occurring mental health and substance use problems and trauma. eCLiPSE’s development was guided by the input of people with lived experience, mental health professionals, and drug and alcohol clinicians.
This digital hub is not limited to individuals seeking help for themselves; it also offers assistance to families and friends supporting loved ones grappling with these challenges.
Currently, eCLiPSE is being rolled out in New South Wales (NSW), Australia, directly to consumers and mental health and drug and alcohol services. This extensive trial is funded by NSW Health, the National Health and Medical Research Council, Ramsey Hospital Foundation, and Beyond Blue. The primary objective of the trial is to determine the most effective methods for encouraging people dealing with mental health and substance use issues to utilize eCLiPSE and to identify the optimal ways to integrate the platform into existing mental health and drug and alcohol services. The goal is to ensure that individuals facing these complex issues receive the support they need in a user-friendly, accessible manner.
