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European Research Grant in Information and Communication Technologies

applied to Mental Health (Optimi)

Ultrasis the provider of Interactive Health Care and associated services is pleased to announce that it is a major participant in a consortium which has been awarded an EU research grant totalling approximately 3.8 million Euros. The grant has been awarded in response to an EU call for research in Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) for application in Mental Health.  

The three year project, commencing in February 2010, is entitled 'Online Predictive Tools for Intervention in Mental Illness'(OPTIMI) . It will develop new solutions to identify high stress and mild depressive symptoms in order to provide computerised CBT swiftly and effectively - before more serious conditions develop.

This ground breaking and interdisciplinary research will initially develop wearable, multiparametric monitoring devices and use novel algorithms to detect signs and symptoms of stress and mild depressive symptoms.  

 

 Early interventions, based on cCBT, will also be developed to alleviate these early symptoms and prevent further progression. It is anticipated that some modules of Beating the Blues can be readily transformed for this new application. The project will also develop technologies to enable delivery of some of the interventions over smart phones.

A further aim is to combine monitoring systems and predictive algorithms with the computerised CBT in a feedback system for self-treatment. Where necessary the same system will be used to facilitate interaction between patients and doctors 

The project will organize a number of trials in 3 countries (Spain, China, and the UK). The final trial will assess the effectiveness of both the predictive algorithms and the new CBT interventions.

Dr Charlie Martin, Executive Director at Ultrasis said "The Ultrasis team will play a significant role across the project and will lead specifically on the work plan to develop the new preventive therapies and applications.  I am particularly excited about working with and learning from our Spanish partners who have developed therapies using virtual reality and delivery by iPod.  The success of this research proposal demonstrates the value that our partners place on the evidence based approach Ultrasis have always taken to delivering health care and the growing reputation of Beating the Blues across Europe as an evidence based and affordable way to deliver treatment."

Nigel Brabbins, Chief Executive at Ultrasis added: "We are delighted to be part of the multi-agency consortium that has received this EU grant and to be working with such an esteemed group of partners.

"Through our flagship program Beating the Blues we have proved that technology delivered treatment is acceptable to patients, and that it can help manage demand and deliver cost effective solutions. This research will enable us to look at using technology to predict and resolve issues at a much earlier stage, thus helping people to avoid the potential long-term costs and negative effects of mental ill health. He added "we envisage the outcomes of this research will provide significant health and economic benefits across the EU and lead to tangible new products."

The consortium consists of eleven participants in six countries (UK, Spain, Italy, Germany, Switzerland, and China). The grant serves to reimburse all research costs incurred by Ultrasis and the allocation of funding is broadly proportionate across all participants.

Participants:

1	Everis Spain SL	Spain
2	Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule Zurich	Switzerland
3	University of Bristol	UK
4	Universitaet Zuerich	Switzerland
5	Xiwrite SRL	Italy
6	Ultrasis PLC	UK
7	Universitat Jaume I De Castellon	Spain
8	Universidad Politecnica De Valencia	Spain
9	Lanzhou University	China
10	MA Systems and Control LTD	UK
11	Universitaetsklinikum Freiburg	Germany

Editors Notes:

Ultrasis plc is a healthcare company with core expertise in health, psychology, software development and programme management. The Company delivers computerised healthcare products to the NHS, the corporate sector and other healthcare providers in the UK and internationally. 

Ultrasis was the first company to offer computerised products based on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and interactive multimedia and is the world leader in this field. The products help people tackle stress, anxiety and depression and a full spectrum of related chronic conditions. 

Beating the Blues is an eight-week, web-based treatment programme for mild and moderate depression based on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy. Following a rigorous examination by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE), Beating the Blues was approved by NICE in February 2006 for use in the National Health Service. 

www.ultrasis.com   

For further information please contact:

Nigel Brabbins
CEO
E-Mail: ultrasis@ultrasis.com
Telephone: +44 (0) 20 7566 3900
Fax: +44 (0) 20 7253 5313

Geoff Nash
FinnCap
Nominated Adviser and Joint Broker
Telephone: +44 (0) 20 7600 1658

John Webb
Marshall Securities
Joint Broker
Telephone: +44 (0) 207 490 3788

Karen White/Sarah Rice

JBP Public Relations

E-Mail: karen.white@jbp.co.uk, sarah.rice@jbp.co.uk 

Telephone +44 (0) 117 907 3400 

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