This study describes results from interim and final surveys measuring patient satisfaction with a year-long disease management(DM) program for depression recently piloted in a staff model MCO. Of particular interest are the values placed on the connections between patient and healthcare system provided by nursing professionals. OBJECTIVE: To examine satisfaction with various depression DM program attributes. METHODS: Patients with depression were identified from risk algorithms applied to diagnosis and prescription data, screened for inclusion appropriateness, and randomized as cases(n=1317) and controls(n=1471). Participants identified relatives or friends for personal support. Participants(n=357) received educational materials about disease self-management. Nurses provided ongoing telephonic support and training to patients about adherence to therapeutic regimen while monitoring therapy compliance, depression severity and symptomatology. Emergency situations and status were communicated to providers. Depression severity was assessed periodically using the Beck Depression Inventory®-PC; service use, compliance, health, and productivity were measured throughout the study. Third party administered telephone surveys assessed patients' satisfaction with the program at 4 months(n=243) and at program end(n=204). RESULTS: Mean item scores indicate high levels of satisfaction with the program. At both time points, ANOVAs indicate statistically greater scores for health guidance nurse and support person roles than program features including disease-relevant educational materials and medication information. Approximately 60%(n=69) of open-ended comments reference the importance of personal contact to depression self-management. CONCLUSIONS: Results suggest that family/friend support is important, personal contacts by nurses supplement usual mental health care, and both are valued more highly than typical offerings of educational materials about disease and medication.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the presentation, the participant should be able to: articulate one possible approach to disease management for persons with depression; assess the design's applicability to other managed situations; and, acknowledge that patients value the human being in the healthcare equation and self-management of disease
Keywords: Disease Management, Depression
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: Employed by SmithKline Beecham Pharmaceuticals. Pilot program described in abstract will not be released commercially by SB, thus, the effort to communicate results and design elements to public domain.