Structural issues and policy in the primary care management of depression.
This article reviews problems in the primary care management of depression at the patient, provider, and practice levels. These problems make it difficult for physicians to deliver proven treatments optimally and for patients to adhere optimally. Potential structural and policy solutions are proposed, suggesting that modifications addressed at multiple levels will make it possible to deliver existing treatments more effectively in primary care settings.
D000553:Ambulatory Care; D001071:Appointments and Schedules; D001294:Attitude to Health; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D004502:Education, Medical, Continuing; D005194:Family Practice / Q000193:education; D006266:Health Education; D006291:Health Policy; D006801:Humans; D009819:Office Visits / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D010818:Practice Patterns, Physicians'; D011320:Primary Health Care / Q000458:organization & administration*; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014481:United States