Purpose: Depression is prevalent, under recognized and under-treated in elderly homecare patients. Prior work demonstrates only 12% of older homecare patients with a current diagnosis of major depression had adequate antidepressant treatment. The purpose of this study is to investigate clinicians' beliefs and knowledge concerning treatment of geriatric depression. These factors may contribute to under-treatment as treatment depends on the homecare nurse and the patient's physician working together. Methods: The investigators surveyed 43 homecare nurses from a large, regional VNS north of NYC. Survey data were also available from 10 private practice physicians who frequently refer patients to the VNS thereby participating in interdisciplinary teams with nurses. Results: Only 30% (13/43) of the nurses report that they believe antidepressant medication is usually effective in treating geriatric depression. 50% (5/10) of physicians report that they do not usually prescribe an SSRI antidepressant to the moderately to severely depressed older patients in their practice. Additionally, 5 of the physicians report they often (26-50% of the time) prescribe an anxiolytic or minor tranquilizer for these patients. Conclusions: Both nurses and physicians appear uncertain of the efficacy of first-line antidepressant medication for treatment of geriatric depression. These data suggest a lack of knowledge about treatment of geriatric depression and a potential barrier to implementing current clinical guidelines in the homecare setting.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this presentation, the participant will have an increased understanding of potential barriers in treating geriatric depression in the homecare setiing
Keywords: Depression, Home Care
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.