Pilot Study of a Statewide Initiative to Enhance Depression Care Among Older Home Care Patients. (April 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Delaney, Colleen; Fortinsky, Richard; Mills, Dana; Doonan, Lorraine; Grimes, Rita; Rosenberg, Suzanne; Pearson, Terra-Lee; Bruce, Martha L.
• Is Part Of: Home health care management & practice. Volume 25:Number 2(2013)
• Page Start: 45
• Page End: 53
• Publication Date: 2013-04
• Subjects: depression -- older adults -- home health care -- research -- mental health -- evidence-based care; Home care services -- Periodicals; 649
• DOI: 10.1177/1084822312465747
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1084-8223

Abstract

Late-life depression is prevalent in home care. This pilot study, part of a statewide initiative to enhance depression care, evaluated the influence of a 2-hour depression screening and intervention workshop on home care professionals' knowledge, self-efficacy, and attitudes related to depression in older home care patients. A pretest, posttest design was used to evaluate the effects of the workshop with 280 home care professionals from 7 home care agencies. Following the depression workshop, participants' knowledge levels in evidence-based screening and care for depressed older adults was significantly increased, t (280) = 16.49, p<.001. A significant increase in confidence and attitude ratings were found (p<.001). Findings from this pilot study support broader dissemination throughout Connecticut home care agencies.