Computer-Aided Telephone Support for Primary Care Patients with Common Mental Health Conditions: Randomized...

Area of Science:

• Mental Health Services Research
• Primary Care Interventions
• Telehealth

Background:

• Depression, anxiety, and at-risk drinking are common in primary care.
• Geographical barriers limit access to mental health services.
• Telephone-based mental health care shows promise.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess patient acceptability of computer-aided telephone support.
• To evaluate this intervention for primary care patients with depression, anxiety, or at-risk drinking.

Main Methods:

• Randomized controlled trial (RCT) comparing telephone intervention to usual care.
• Data collected on consent refusal, withdrawal, retention, and satisfaction.
• Thematic analysis of a satisfaction survey.

Main Results:

• 17.1% declined participation; 16.7% cited telephone delivery.
• 82.8% retention rate for the 1-year intervention.
• 97% of comments on telephone components were positive, citing accessibility, convenience, and privacy.

Conclusions:

• Computer-aided telephone support is highly acceptable to primary care patients.
• Patients appreciate the accessibility, flexibility, and privacy of this model.
• This intervention addresses geographical barriers to mental health care.