The feasibility of a GP led screening intervention for depression among nursing home residents

Abstract

Aim: To examine the feasibility of a brief intervention training general practitioners (GPs) in the administration of a depression screening instrument for use among nursing home residents. Intervention: GPs attended a single education session on late-life depression and were trained in the use of the Cornell Scale for Depression in Dementia. Following the intervention GPs reviewed their patients for depression. Outcome measures: Diagnosis of depression pre and post intervention; changes in antidepressant medications post intervention. Results: Ten GPs and 38 patients completed all components of the study. GPs identified that 24% of their patients had Cornell Scores indicative of probable ma..