Study Seeks to Improve How Primary-Care Providers Treat Depression
The UC College of Nursing has received a three-year, $621,675 grant from the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) for a study that could improve the way primary-care providers recognize and manage depression.
More than 19 million Americans suffer from depression, according to the NIMH, and of those who seek help, more than half turn to their primary-care (or family) physician. Research shows, however, that primary-care physicians fail to recognize depression in nearly half their patients, and dont provide adequate treatment for more than two-thirds of their diagnosed patients.
UC researchers hope to change that by studying depression in primary-care settings and developing long-term interventions.
Over the past 20 years, says Seong-yi Baik, PhD, assistant professor in the College of Nursing, efforts have been made to increase the ability of primary-care physicians to recognize and manage depression. Recent research has shown, however, that improvements dont have a lasting effect, probably because data was gathered on variables that influence depression care, without really understanding how those variables actually affect everyday clinical practice.
Whats different about our study is that well attempt to understand depression care from the perspective of primary-care physicians and their patients, explains Dr. Baik. We believe systematic changes are more sustainable when they make sense to both groups.
This is Dr. Baiks second study on depression care. She previously explored primary-care providers responses to patients who complain of symptoms that might indicate depression. She found that the likelihood of an accurate, timely diagnosis is highly influenced by conditions within each physicians practice, including the physicians familiarity with the patient, general clinical experience, and time spent with a patient.
I hope well learn how depression is actually treated in primary-care practices, says Dr. Baik This will help us tailor interventions that make sense to physicians.
I learned from my previous study that doctors may recognize symptoms of depression in their patients and not pursue it for various reasons, including not feeling comfortable dealing with emotions, she says. We need to help doctors with this, which may require us to intervene as early as their initial medical education.
This kind of grant is a perfect example of one of our goals at UChelping the community through our research, says College of Nursing dean Andrea Lindell, DNSc. Recognition and management of depression is a critical need, and this research is a first step in designing quality improvement interventions that are feasible and sustainable in primary-care practice.
Dr. Baik and her interdisciplinary research team, which includes co-investigators Jeffrey Susman, MD, chair of family medicine, C. Jeffrey Jacobson Jr., PhD, and Jean Anthony, PhD, will study about 70 providers (general internists, family physicians and nurse practitioners) in 4045 practices throughout Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky. Providers interested in participating in the study can contact Dr. Baik at (513) 558-5219 or
, or project director Emily Meyer at (513) 558-2969 or
.
Founded in 1889, UC College of Nursing was the first school in the country to offer a baccalaureate program in nursing and received the first endowment ever given to a nursing program. In 2002 the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education accredited the college for a 10-year period, distinguishing it with 71 years of continuous accreditation.
The college currently has over 800 students, including undergraduate, graduate and PhD candidates, making it the 12th largest nursing school in the United States in terms of student and faculty, according to U.S.News & World Report. The college also ranks in the top 6 percent nationally in research funding.
Tags
Related Stories
Put down that beer; it's not a tanning lotion
![WVXU logo](/content/dam/refresh/uc-news/news-icons/dark/wvxu.png)
July 1, 2024
The University of Cincinnati's Kelly Dobos joined WVXU's Cincinnati Edition to discuss what's fact and what's myth when it comes to sunscreen use, different kinds of sunscreen and a social media recommendation to use beer on your skin to help get a tan.
Cincinnati researchers want to know if MRIs can work better
![WVXU logo](/content/dam/refresh/uc-news/news-icons/dark/wvxu.png)
June 28, 2024
WVXU and the Cincinnati Business Courier highlighted a new collaboration between the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, UC Health GE HealthCare, JobsOhio, REDI Cincinnati and Cincinnati Children’s to create an MRI Research and Development Center of Excellence located on UC’s medical campus.
New project aims to better support teen mothers in Adams County
![WCPO logo](/content/dam/refresh/uc-news/news-icons/dark/wcpo-dark.png)
June 27, 2024
WCPO highlighted a partnership between the University of Cincinnati and the Adams County Health Department that is aiming to provide better support for teen mothers in the county.