Improving Depression Care - National Depression Management Leadership Initiative
Study Description and Methods
This study was a combination of Quality Improvement (QI) and practice-based research activities. By having members of each practice utilize quality improvement tools, we tested strategies for making and sustaining improved depression care. This also allowed us to assess the clinical utility of simple quantitative instruments (ie PHQ-9) that measure the severity of depression.
Specific Aims and Objectives
Our specific aims were:
- To identify and test simple office systems that enhance depression care through improved follow-up to monitor and adjust treatment during acute and continuing phase treatment of depression.
- To examine characteristics of office practices (values, structures and processes) that are associated with initial adoption of these innovative strategies, and with sustaining them over time.
- To identify and test strategies that can be used by practices to diffuse use of strategies beyond the ‘champions’ for improved depression care, to other clinicians and care teams in the practice.
- To test strategies for assisting practices in developing effective Improvement Teams to implement, diffuse, and sustain chronic care office systems for care of depression, and expanding their use to other chronic conditions.
Timeline
This study was conducted from October 1, 2004 through March 31, 2006.
Status
This project has been completed. Please see below for Key Findings and Publications!
Contact Information
For additional information about this study, please contact:
Debbie Graham, MSPH
Associate Research Director
AAFP National Research Network
1-800-274-2237, x3176
dgraham@aafp.org
Debbie Graham, MSPH
Associate Research Director
AAFP National Research Network
1-800-274-2237, x3176
dgraham@aafp.org
Key Findings and Publications
The program led to measurable improvements in implementation of office procedures and systems known to improve depression care. The improvements were both sustained beyond the end of the program and substantially diffused to the other clinicians in the practice.
Access our complete manuscripts:
Access our complete manuscripts:
This project was funded by grants from AstraZeneca International, Eli Lilly and Company, Lilly Foundation, Forest Laboratories, Inc., Pfizer Inc., Sanofi Aventis, and Wyeth.
