Barriers to the Recognition of Geriatric Depression in Residential Care Facilities in Alberta. (2nd October 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Azulai, Anna; Hall, Barry L.
• Is Part Of: Issues in mental health nursing. Volume 41:Number 10(2020)
• Page Start: 887
• Page End: 898
• Publication Date: 2020-10-02
• Subjects: Psychiatric nursing -- Periodicals; Mental health personnel -- Periodicals; 616.89023105
• DOI: 10.1080/01612840.2020.1742258
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0161-2840

Abstract

Abstract: This study explored the barriers that regulated nurse professionals encountered in recognizing and assessing geriatric depression in residential care facilities in the Canadian province of Alberta. The study used a convergent parallel mixed methods design, including a cross-sectional survey ( N = 635) and qualitative interviews ( N = 14) with regulated nurse professionals. Findings revealed six major barriers to the recognition of geriatric depression in Alberta, including 1) insufficient clinical knowledge and training in geriatric depression; 2) misconceived beliefs about geriatric depression; 3) limited access to resources; 4) unclear depression assessment protocol and procedures in facilities; 5) characteristics of models of care and organizational culture in facilities; and 6) communication difficulties among all stakeholders in the process. Socio-cultural values and beliefs about geriatric depression played a key role in the complex interaction of the various structural and agential barriers to the effective recognition and assessment of depression in residential care facilities in Alberta.