Improving Community-Based Services for Older Patients with Depression: The Benefits of an Educational and Service Initiative

Abstract

Objective: The objective of this study was to report a quality improvement project for older patients with depression. The initiative focused on both clinical practice changes (improvement of medical, neurocognitive and behavioural assessment) and service development (greater continuity of care). Method: After initial identification of key deficits, implementation of a service and educational initiative took place within a district mental health service. The service consisted of an inpatient unit, a specialized psychogeriatric service and two adult community mental health services. Mental health staff received education regarding the specific needs of older patients with depression and were provided with assessment materials, patient education and treatment aids. General practitioners participated in shared long-term management. Results: Following graded implementation, the management of 44 subjects (mean age = 65.4 years, 91% female) recruited over an 8-month period was reviewed. Compared with 99 subjects (mean age = 68.9 years, 69% female) from the earlier 12-month assessment phase, there were significant improvements in medical (43% to 92%), neurocognitive (37% to 84%) and behavioural (e.g. suicidal ideation: 78% to 100%) assessments. Similarly, relevant laboratory investigations (neuroimaging: 21% to 67%) and communication with general practitioners (73% to 97%) improved. The most change occurred in the adult community-based treatment services. Conclusions: A coordinated management and educational initiative resulted in marked improvement in basic medical and psychiatric assessment and more integrated care. These changes did not require expansion of specialist services.