Back to Annual Meeting Page		American Public Health Association 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition December 10-14, 2005 Philadelphia, PA

Abstract #104309

Susan M. Enguídanos, PhD, Health Research Center, Partners In Care Foundation, 101 S. First Street, Suite 1000, Burbank, CA 91502, (562) 622-4099, sengui@aol.com and Nancy E. Gibbs, MD, TriCentral Service Area, Kaiser Permanente, 1011 Baldwin Park Blvd, Baldwin Park, CA 91706.

Studies have found that depression is a common syndrome among the elderly and often goes undetected and undiagnosed. The study presented here tests an evidenced-based framework that was adapted and integrated into a geriatric care management clinical practice with the aim of reducing depression among medically frail seniors. Seniors referred to the Geriatric Care Management program were assessed for study eligibility. Those 65 years old and older, with moderate or severe depression, without severe cognitive impaired, and had functional impairment were eligible for study participation. The intervention is an adaptation of the IMPACT model that provides a multifaceted intervention to depressed older primary care patients. This is a patient choice model that offers Problem Solving Therapy (PST) as the primary treatment route or antidepressant medications if the member refuses PST. PST teaches patients to address current life difficulties by reducing large problems into smaller sections and identifying specific steps toward positive change. From 2002 to 2004, 1,444 older adults were screened for study eligibility. More than 80% were ineligible for the study: 75% were negative for depression and 24% were identified as depressed but did not meet study eligibility criteria. A total of 245 patients were identified as eligible for the study: 30% refused to participate, leaving 171 who were randomly assigned to either usual care or the intervention. Intervention impact on depression, satisfaction and use of medical services will be presented.

Learning Objectives: By the end of this sessions, participants will be able to

• Discuss how depression impacts health and cost of care among older adults.
• List the components of the depression intervetion.
• Describe the patient and provider benefits of the depression care management intervention.

Keywords: Evidence Based Practice, Depression

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

I wish to disclose that I have NO financial interests or other relationship with the manufactures of commercial products, suppliers of commercial services or commercial supporters.