Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that may emerge after a frightening or traumatic event, such as assault, warfare, a motor vehicle collision, or another threat to a person’s life. Acute stress disorder is a similar reaction to an overwhelming traumatic event, but it lasts for less than a month, whereas PTSD involves symptoms lasting longer than a month.
Cognitive behavioural therapy is a type of psychotherapy often used to treat acute stress disorder and PTSD. As an alternative to in-person sessions with a therapist, cognitive behavioural therapy can be delivered online, with or without guidance from a therapist. Internet-delivered cognitive behavioural therapy is considered an option to increase access to this treatment.
This health technology assessment looked at how safe, effective, and cost-effective internet-delivered cognitive behavioural therapy is for adults with PTSD or acute stress disorder. It also looked at the budget impact of publicly funding internet-delivered cognitive behavioural therapy, and it looked at the experiences, preferences, and values of people with PTSD or acute stress disorder.
Read the full health technology assessment report for more information.
The Ministry of Health has accepted this recommendation.
The Ministry of Health has provided the following response: The Ministry has a standardized process in place to review health technology assessments and funding recommendations. This takes into consideration Ministry priorities, implementation options, the need for consultation with impacted stakeholders, and funding considerations.