Abstract
Background: The aim of this study is evaluating the (cost-) effectiveness of a multidisciplinary, evidence based
care program to improve the management of depression in nursing home residents of somatic and dementia
special care units. The care program is an evidence based standardization of the management of depression,
including standardized use of measurement instruments and diagnostical methods, and protocolized psychosocial,
psychological and pharmacological treatment.
Methods/Design: In a 19-month longitudinal controlled study using a stepped wedge design, 14 somatic and 14
dementia special care units will implement the care program. All residents who give informed consent on the
participating units will be included. Primary outcomes are the frequency of depression on the units and quality of
life of residents on the units. The effect of the care program will be estimated using multilevel regression analysis.
Secondary outcomes include accuracy of depression-detection in usual care, prevalence of depression-diagnosis in
the intervention group, and response to treatment of depressed residents. An economic evaluation from a health
care perspective will also be carried out.
Discussion: The care program is expected to be effective in reducing the frequency of depression and in
increasing the quality of life of residents. The study will further provide insight in the cost-effectiveness of the care
program.
Trial registration: Netherlands Trial Register (NTR): NTR1477
care program to improve the management of depression in nursing home residents of somatic and dementia
special care units. The care program is an evidence based standardization of the management of depression,
including standardized use of measurement instruments and diagnostical methods, and protocolized psychosocial,
psychological and pharmacological treatment.
Methods/Design: In a 19-month longitudinal controlled study using a stepped wedge design, 14 somatic and 14
dementia special care units will implement the care program. All residents who give informed consent on the
participating units will be included. Primary outcomes are the frequency of depression on the units and quality of
life of residents on the units. The effect of the care program will be estimated using multilevel regression analysis.
Secondary outcomes include accuracy of depression-detection in usual care, prevalence of depression-diagnosis in
the intervention group, and response to treatment of depressed residents. An economic evaluation from a health
care perspective will also be carried out.
Discussion: The care program is expected to be effective in reducing the frequency of depression and in
increasing the quality of life of residents. The study will further provide insight in the cost-effectiveness of the care
program.
Trial registration: Netherlands Trial Register (NTR): NTR1477
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Article number | 91 |
| Pages (from-to) | 1-7 |
| Number of pages | 7 |
| Journal | BMC Psychiatry |
| Volume | 11 |
| Issue number | 91 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 20 May 2011 |
| Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Depressive symptoms
- Nursing home
- Nursing staff
- care program
- Nursing Home Resident