Can routine information improve case finding of depression among 65 to 74 year olds in primary care?
GROUND: The identification of groups with higher prevalence of major depression allows for more cost-effective investigation and treatment. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to examine whether the identification of patient groups with a higher prevalence of depression through information routinely available in primary care can increase the efficiency of active case finding. METHODS: A cross-sectional two-stage survey was carried out of 2633 community residents between the age of 65 and 74 consisting of a structured interview with concurrent audit of general practice records. The 15-item geriatric depression scale (GDS-15) was used as a screening tool for depression. Individuals scoring > or =4 on the GDS-15 were offered a clinical interview using the Schedules for Clinical Assessment in Neuropsychiatry (SCAN). RESULTS: There were 1912 (72.6%) participants in the first stage interview, of whom 134 had GDS-15 scores > or =4 and were invited to take part in the second stage. Of these,
Related Questions
- Is it possible to count the number of cases the resident does in the first year of the residency education and enter them in the case log system?
- Can routine information improve case finding of depression among 65 to 74 year olds in primary care?
- What caused the great depression and what year did it occur?
