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Geriatric depression assessment by rural primary care physicians.
Michael Glasser1, Lieke Vogels, Judith Gravdal
1National Center for Rural Health Professions, Rockford, Illinois, USA. michaelg@uic.edu
Rural and Remote Health
|November 26, 2009
Summary
Rural primary care physicians generally feel prepared to treat geriatric depression, but face challenges with care access. Improving care requires better availability of mental health specialists and enhanced geriatric training.
Area of Science:
- Geriatric Medicine
- Primary Care
- Mental Health
Background:
- Depression significantly impacts global health, particularly affecting the elderly.
- Geriatric depression is treatable, yet under-treatment persists, especially in rural areas with limited healthcare access.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate rural primary care physicians' practices, attitudes, and perceived needs in diagnosing and treating geriatric depression.
- To examine trends in care delivery for older adults with depression in rural settings.
Main Methods:
- A survey was distributed to 162 rural Illinois family physicians and general internists.
- The survey assessed current practices, attitudes, barriers, and needs related to geriatric depression care.
Main Results:
- 47% of physicians responded, reporting over one-third of elderly patients were depressed.
- Physicians screened for depression routinely, with positive attitudes towards treatment, but noted a care 'gap'.
- Improved geriatric training and increased availability of psychologists/counselors were identified as key needs.
Conclusions:
- Primary care physicians are generally comfortable diagnosing and managing geriatric depression.
- Challenges remain in the availability of appropriate mental health services for older adults in rural primary care settings.
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