Implementation of the Flexible Assertive Community Treatment (FACT) Model in Norway: eHealth Assessment Study

BACKGROUND: Flexible Assertive Community Treatment (FACT) is a model for treatment of long-term severe mental disorders. This method has become more widespread in Norway. OBJECTIVE: The objective of our study was to examine how the implementation of FACT teams in Norway has been affected by eHealth policy, infrastructure, and regulations. Another objective was to examine existing literature on eHealth interventions and challenges within FACT teams. METHODS: We have examined Norwegian policy regulating mental health services, laws and regulations, eHealth infrastructure, relevant literature on FACT teams, and current implementation of FACT in Norway. RESULTS: FACT teams are a wanted part of the Norwegian service system, but the current eHealth infrastructure makes sharing of data within teams and levels of health care challenging, even if eHealth regulations allow such sharing. This has been shown to be an issue in the current implementation of FACT teams in Norway. There is little or no existing research on the eHealth challenges facing FACT teams. CONCLUSIONS: Weaknesses in the Norwegian eHealth infrastructure have been a barrier for an easy implementation of FACT teams in Norway. It is difficult to share information between the different levels of health care. We need systems that allow for easy, secure sharing of health information to and between the FACT team members and other involved health care workers.