Open AccessImplementation of a depression screening protocol among respiratory insufficiency patients
Author(s) -
Kerminen Hanna,
Jämsen Esa,
Jäntti Pirkko,
Mattila Aino K.,
LeivoKorpela Sirpa,
Valvanne Jaakko
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
the clinical respiratory journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.789
H-Index - 33
eISSN - 1752-699X
pISSN - 1752-6981
DOI - 10.1111/crj.12977
Subject(s) - medicine , depression (economics) , referral , outpatient clinic , mood , medical record , physical therapy , psychiatry , family medicine , economics , macroeconomics
Unnoticed and untreated depression is prevalent among patients with chronic respiratory insufficiency. Comorbid depression causes suffering and worsens patients’ outcomes. Objectives The objective of this evaluation was to assess preliminary outcomes of a depression screening protocol among chronic respiratory insufficiency patients at a tertiary care pulmonary outpatient clinic. Methods In the depression screening protocol, the patients filled the Depression Scale (DEPS) questionnaire. Patients whose scores suggested depression were offered the opportunity of a further evaluation of mood at a psychiatric outpatient clinic. The outcomes of the protocol were evaluated retrospectively from the patient records. Results During the period of evaluation, 238 patients visited the outpatient clinic. DEPS was administered to 176 patients (74%), of whom 60 (34%) scored ≥9 (out of 30), thus exceeding the cut‐off for referral. However, only 13 patients were referred, as the remainder declined the referral. Finally, seven patients were evaluated at the psychiatric clinic, and they all were deemed depressive. Symptoms of depression were most prevalent among patients with a long smoking history, refractory dyspnoea and a history of depression. Conclusion Depression screening was positive in a third of the patients. The depression screening protocol improved the detection of depression symptoms, but the effects on the patients’ treatment and clinical course were small. Rather than referring patients to a psychiatric unit, the evaluation and management of depression should be undertaken at the pulmonary unit.