Process evaluation of a minimal psychological intervention to reduce depression in chronically ill elderly persons.
OBJECTIVE
This article describes the process evaluation of the Depression in Elderly with Long-Term Afflictions (DELTA) intervention, a nurse-led minimal psychological intervention to reduce depression in chronically ill elderly persons. The aim was to assess whether the DELTA intervention was implemented and received as planned, which barriers were encountered and whether nurses and patients were satisfied with the intervention.


METHODS
Quantitative and qualitative data were gathered from all 183 patients who participated in the intervention and from four nurses who administered the intervention. Data were assessed by means of self-administered questionnaires, checklists, and a group interview with the nurses.


RESULTS
Although several barriers were encountered, the intervention was well performed by nurses and well received by patients. However, a small proportion of the patients found the intervention not useful and thought they would not benefit.


CONCLUSIONS
The implementation of the minimal psychological intervention aimed at reducing depression in chronically ill elderly persons was successful and therefore feasible.


CONCLUSIONS
By making the intervention part of regular care for patients with a chronic condition, patients can be monitored and, if necessary, support can be provided to implement the intervention in their daily life.
Care and Public Health Research Institute (Caphri), Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, University Maastricht, Maastricht, The Netherlands. k.jonkers@zw.unimaas.nl
Catharina
C
Jonkers
Femke
F
Lamers
Hans
H
Bosma
Job
J
Metsemakers
Gertrudis
G
Kempen
Jacques
J
Van Eijk
D000368:Aged; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D002908:Chronic Disease; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D003863:Depression / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D003920:Diabetes Mellitus / Q000451:nursing; D005260:Female; D015577:Geriatric Assessment; D006801:Humans; D007406:Interview, Psychological; D008297:Male; D009426:Netherlands; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D017064:Process Assessment, Health Care; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D011614:Psychotherapy, Brief / Q000379:methods*; D029424:Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive / Q000150:complications* / Q000451:nursing; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic