[Information and participation interests of patients with depression in clinical decision making in primary care]

Abstract

A main flaw in the primary care of depression is the patients' skepticism about adequate treatment. Despite effective treatment options patients' medical demand is poor and their information insufficient. The present study aims to improve patients' information and their participation in decision making to enhance treatment motivation and satisfaction with treatment and clinical outcome. It is unclear, though, if patients are able to show interest in information and participation because of depression-specific deficits (e.g. an impairment of cognition and concentration). In a controlled study 232 patients with depression from 30 GP practices completed questionnaires assessing information and participation needs. Patients with all severity grades of depression are highly interested in information (mean = 85.2; range 0-100) and moderately interested in participating in decision making (mean = 46.8; range 0-100). Perceived involvement in care achieved a mean of 68.4 (range 0-100). The implementation of shared decision making in the primary care of depressive patients is reasonable and will be realised and evaluated within the scope of a targeted continuing education program for general practitioners.