Moving evidence-based interventions to populations: a case study using social workers in primary care

Area of Science:

• Geriatrics
• Mental Health
• Social Work

Background:

• Depression is prevalent in older adults, particularly those with chronic conditions.
• Problem-Solving Therapy (PST) is an evidence-based practice effective for depression in cognitively intact adults.
• There is a need to adapt and test interventions for frail older adults with multiple health issues.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of a social work intervention using PST for depression in frail older adults.
• To adapt an evidence-based practice for a population-based intervention.
• To address psychosocial issues alongside depression in this vulnerable group.

Main Methods:

• A randomized controlled trial was employed.
• Master's-trained social workers delivered the intervention.
• The study population included home-dwelling older adults with multiple chronic conditions, recent hospitalizations, and mild cognitive impairment.

Main Results:

• The intervention demonstrated effectiveness in reducing depression.
• Psychosocial issues were also addressed by the social work intervention.
• The study successfully adapted PST for a frail older adult population.

Conclusions:

• A social work-led PST intervention is effective for depression in frail older adults.
• Integrating such interventions into primary care is feasible.
• This approach can improve mental health outcomes for older adults with multiple comorbidities.