Classifying the Factors Affecting Information Therapy to Support Clinical Decisions on Addiction

Abstract

Background: The present study aimed to identify the dimensions and components of developing an information therapy approach for clinical decisions on addiction in addiction treatment centers based on the opinions of thematic specialists in Iran using the fuzzy Delphi technique. Methods: This study was a qualitative one conducted using Delphi method on 20 researchers of addiction treatment in the areas of psychiatry, psychology, medicine, etc. Findings: The analysis of the data revealed 92 indicators in two dimensions, namely information dimension (health literacy) and treatment dimension (health services), each containing 6 components. The information dimension included acquiring information, identifying information, sharing information, raising awareness, information needs, and health knowledge, and the treatment dimension included patient satisfaction, information-seeking behaviors and skills, treatment methods and costs, participatory care and use of information, educational interventions, and disease prevention. Conclusion: Developing an information therapy approach in addiction treatment, as a cost-effective and low-cost method, is one of the cognitive strategies that can be used by officials to pave the way for health in this regard. This technique aims to improve the quality of medical services and care for addicts and is a suitable solution to meet their needs.