1 - (SYM 57) Transformation of Norwegian Mental Health Delivery: The Development of the Bergen 4-day Treatment for OCD

Despite evidence-based treatments for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) being recognized since the mid-1960s, a significant issue has been the frequent unavailability of such treatments to those in need. When available, the quality often fails to achieve the optimal effect of the methods. In 2009, Bjarne Hansen initiated a project to ensure that everyone affected by OCD in Norway could access evidence-based treatment. This was based on studies showing the average duration of ongoing treatment was 14.2 months, with 88% of cases reporting the absence of evidence-based treatment by providers. It was proposed that 30 specialized OCD teams be established nationally to ensure evidence-based treatment availability regardless of patient location. Following collaboration with key politicians and media, this was approved by the health minister and launched as a 4-year, nationally funded project, with Hansen as the project leader. These teams now ensure national access to such treatment.

The national infrastructure provides excellent opportunities to gather clinical data and biological samples from large patient cohorts receiving treatment, facilitating clinical development and the efficient implementation of new methods. This initiative has fueled significant research efforts, leading to the establishment of the Bergen Center for Brain Plasticity, which has received substantial funding for research on clinical variables, genetics, epigenetics, and imaging. Through this network, the innovative Bergen 4-day Treatment (B4DT) has been implemented and evaluated, demonstrating significant treatment outcomes across multiple studies.

This presentation will present the background, process, and experiences related to the national implementation of evidence-based OCD treatment through the creation of 30 OCD teams (15 for adults and 15 for adolescents). Additionally, it will showcase how this framework has uniquely facilitated clinical development and research. Furthermore, an overview of the theoretical foundation of The Bergen 4-day Treatment (B4DT) and how its principles can be applied to other treatment formats and disorders will be discussed.