title: Pilot study of enhanced social support with automated telephone monitoring after psychiatric hospitalization for depression.
abstract: Following discharge, patients hospitalized for depression are at high risk for poor retention in outpatient care and adverse outcomes.
  
  
  
  Pilot tests a post-hospital monitoring and enhanced support program for depression.
  
  
  
  48 patients at a Veterans Affairs Medical Center discharged following a depression-related inpatient stay received weekly visits or phone calls for 6 months from their choice of either a family member/friend (n = 19) or a certified peer support specialist (n = 29). Participants also completed weekly automated telephone monitoring calls assessing depressive symptoms and antidepressant medication adherence.
  
  
  
  Over 90% of participants were more satisfied with their care due to the service. The mean change from baseline to 6 months in depression symptoms was -7.9 (p < 0.05) according to the Patient Health Questionnaire and -11.2 (p < 0.05) according to the Beck Depression Inventory-II for those supported by a family member/friend, whereas those supported by a peer specialist had mean changes of -3.5 (p < 0.05) and -1.7 (p > 0.10), respectively.
  
  
  
  Increased contact with a chosen support person coupled with automated telephone monitoring after psychiatric hospitalization is an acceptable service for patients with depression. Those who received the service, and particularly those supported by a family member/friend, experienced reductions in symptoms of depression.
authors: University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA. ppfeiffe@umich.edu.|VA Center for Clinical Management Research, VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Ann Arbor, MI, USA. ppfeiffe@umich.edu.
authors: Paul N
authors: PN
authors: Pfeiffer
authors: University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.|VA Center for Clinical Management Research, VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
authors: Marcia
authors: M
authors: Valenstein
authors: VA Center for Clinical Management Research, VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
authors: Dara
authors: D
authors: Ganoczy
authors: VA Center for Clinical Management Research, VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
authors: Jennifer
authors: J
authors: Henry
authors: VA Center for Veteran Involvement in Care, Portland Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Portland, MI, USA.|Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA.
authors: Steven K
authors: SK
authors: Dobscha
authors: University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.|VA Center for Clinical Management Research, VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.|University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
authors: John D
authors: JD
authors: Piette
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000359:Aftercare / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards*; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000628:therapy*; D005190:Family; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care; D010351:Patient Discharge / Q000592:standards*; D010379:Peer Group; D010865:Pilot Projects; D012944:Social Support; D013689:Telephone
keywords: Depression; Discharge; Family; Inpatient; Mobile; Monitoring; Peer support