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Supported self-management: a simple, effective way to improve depression care
Dan Bilsker1, Elliot M Goldner, Ellen Anderson
1Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia. dbilsker@sfu.ca
Summary
Supported self-management (SSM) for depression offers a cost-effective and safe approach to enhance Canadian mental healthcare. This intervention involves self-management guides and supporter coaching, improving patient outcomes without significant new resources.
Area of Science:
- Mental Health Care
- Health Services Research
Background:
- Depression care in Canada requires innovative strategies.
- Supported self-management (SSM) is a potential solution.
Purpose of the Study:
- Introduce and evaluate Supported Self-Management (SSM) for depression.
- Assess SSM's quality using a defined framework.
- Demonstrate SSM's potential to improve Canadian healthcare.
Main Methods:
- SSM evaluated against criteria: relevance, effectiveness, appropriateness, efficiency, safety, acceptability, sustainability.
- Critical research and a case study of depressed patients used for illustration.
Main Results:
- SSM involves self-management guides and supporter coaching.
- High relevance, cost-effectiveness, appropriateness, and safety demonstrated.
- Provider acceptance is a concern; sustainability requires stakeholder collaboration.
Conclusions:
- SSM presents a significant opportunity to enhance depression care delivery in Canada.
- Engaging patients in behavior change improves outcomes efficiently.
- Future work will focus on provider time, access, and clinical integration.
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