Community Partners in Care: A description of the planning phase of a community partnered participatory research project to adapt and to disseminate quality improvement for depression care into underserved, low income, minority communities in Los Angeles

Participatory community planning for depression is a new area in the United States. The objective is to describe Community Partners in Care, a randomized trial of a community planning approach to the adaptation and dissemination of an evidence based, quality improvement intervention for depression. An additional objective is to present themes from an open community discussion of a multi-stakeholder group on: 1) How to define community; 2) What agencies, organizations, or individuals need to be included to develop trusted and respected community solutions to reduce depression in the community; 3) What innovative, creative solutions are needed to improve services for depression in the community. Methods: Qualitative data analysis techniques (pile-sorting methodology) were conducted of meeting notes by a sub-committee of community and academic partners. Results: 1) Community was defined by 2 characteristics: i) geographic locations, organizations and places; ii) the function communities play in people's lives; 2) A broad coalition of organizations like churches, schools, and employers can disseminate information about depression and provide connections to specialized services; 3) Community wide education and outreach strategies are important to increase awareness and to decrease the stigma around depression. Workshops and group / peer support services with recreational activities were suggested to improve services. Conclusion: Community developed solutions around depression involve the engagement of a coalition of organizations and members within different communities. Increased education and outreach through coalitions around depression care need to be combined with linkages to more specialty care and innovative strategies for community support.