Addressing depression in obstetrics/gynecology practice.
Efforts to improve the care of depression in primary care patients have largely ignored the potential of obstetrics/gynecology (OB/GYN) practices. We describe feasibility studies of a depression screening and care management intervention in three diverse OB/GYN practices. Patients were screened using the Patient Health Questionnaire. A depression care manager offered education and referral assistance to women who screened positive for depression. The prevalence of depression was higher in the hospital clinic (20.2%, 47/233) than the suburban clinic (10.7%, 8/75) or the office practice (8.2%, 48/583). Seventy-two women participated in the care management intervention. Patient satisfaction with the intervention was high and at 1-month follow-up, 31.9% of patients had kept or scheduled a new mental health appointment. Depression interventions developed in primary care can be successfully adapted for use with patients in OB/GYN practices. Additional modifications, particularly efforts to improve coordination of care with both general medical and mental health providers, are needed.
Scholle
Sarah Hudson
SH
Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, PA, USA. schollesh@msx.upmc.edu
Haskett
Roger F
RF
Hanusa
Barbara H
BH
Pincus
Harold Alan
HA
Kupfer
David J
DJ
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D003863:Depression / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000628:therapy*; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006176:Gynecology; D006801:Humans; D008605:Mental Health Services; D008875:Middle Aged; D009774:Obstetrics; D010346:Patient Care Management; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D010818:Practice Patterns, Physicians'; D015995:Prevalence; D011320:Primary Health Care; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires