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Published on: January 24, 2020
A depression screen and intervention for older ED patients
Fredric M Hustey1, Michael D Smith
1Department of Emergency Medicine, The Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA. husteyf@ccf.org
The American Journal of Emergency Medicine
|February 6, 2007
Summary
Screening older emergency department patients for depression using the Short-Form Geriatric Depression Scale did not improve care. Emergency physicians recognized depression in only 34.1% of elderly patients, highlighting a critical gap in geriatric care.
Area of Science:
- Geriatric Medicine
- Emergency Medicine
- Psychiatry
Background:
- Depression is a common and serious condition in older adults.
- Older adults frequently present to the emergency department (ED).
- Recognition and management of depression in the ED setting are often suboptimal.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of depression screening on the care of elderly patients in the ED.
- To assess emergency physicians' (EPs) recognition of depression in older patients.
- To determine if the Short-Form Geriatric Depression Scale (SF-GDS) influences clinical management.
Main Methods:
- Prospective interventional study involving 267 patients aged 70 years and older.
- Patients were screened for depression using the SF-GDS.
- Screening results were presented to EPs to assess recognition and impact on care.
Main Results:
- The prevalence of depression among older ED patients was 16.5%.
- EPs recognized depression in only 34.1% of diagnosed patients.
- Depression screening did not alter the care provided to any of the affected patients; no specific referrals or discharge instructions were given.
Conclusions:
- Depression is highly prevalent and poorly recognized in older emergency department patients.
- Current depression screening tools, like the SF-GDS, do not appear to change clinical practice or improve care for this population.
- There is a significant need for improved strategies to enhance depression recognition and management in elderly ED patients.
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