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. 2025 Jul 2;26(1):210.
doi: 10.1186/s12875-025-02897-9.

Utilization of clinical practice guidelines and interprofessional collaboration in depression management in Swiss primary care: a cross-sectional survey study among primary care physicians

Karin Mayer  1 , Christoph Merlo  1   2 , Stefan Markun  3   2 , Stefan Neuner-Jehle  1   3 , Patrick E Beeler  4   5
Affiliations

Utilization of clinical practice guidelines and interprofessional collaboration in depression management in Swiss primary care: a cross-sectional survey study among primary care physicians

Karin Mayer et al. BMC Prim Care. .

Abstract

Objectives: To (i) investigate the current state of depression management in Swiss primary care post-COVID-19, focusing on the utilization of guidelines or associated tools, (ii) explore potential associations with depression management, and (iii) evaluate availability of and communication with psychiatrists and psychotherapists.

Methods: A previously developed self-report questionnaire, covering screening, diagnosis, management, and interprofessional collaboration, was distributed online, with a supplementary paper version, to 168 Swiss primary care physicians (PCPs) participating in the Swiss Sentinel Surveillance System. Multivariable logistic regressions explored associations.

Results: Of the 168 primary care physicians invited to participate, 116 completed the survey (response rate: 69%). Among these, 61% utilized guidelines for depression management, with statistically significant associations towards increased guideline utilization for PCPs with some psychiatric training as residents (odds ratio [OR] 4.13; 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.27, 16.02) and decreased utilization for the age group 60-81 (OR 0.29; 95% CI 0.09, 0.93). Guideline utilization was associated with perceived competency in prescribing antidepressants (OR 3.51; 95% CI 1.21, 11.08). The majority reported difficulties in organizing therapy with mental health specialists and rarely received feedback after patient referrals.

Conclusion: While the utilization of guidelines among participants was inconsistent, over 60% indicated using either guidelines, tools, or both. The study highlights systemic issues in interprofessional collaboration between PCPs and mental health specialists that require attention.

Keywords: Anxiety; Attitudes; Cooperative Behavior; Cross-Sectional Studies; Depressive Disorder/diagnosis; Depressive Disorder/therapy; Guideline Adherence/standards; Health Knowledge; Physicians'; Practice; Practice Guidelines as Topic; Practice Patterns; Primary Health Care; Switzerland.

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Conflict of interest statement

Declarations. Consent and ethical approval: This study used completely anonymous data and conformed with the local law and the ethical review and research policies [47]. Consequently, ethical approval was not required. Participants were informed of the study's objectives through a cover letter accompanying the survey. An electronic consent statement was presented before the survey began, explaining that participation was anonymous and voluntary, and that by participating, individuals agreed to their responses being analyzed and published in an anonymized form. Competing interests: The authors declare no competing interests.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Participants answer distributions regarding depression knowledge and management
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Participants answer distributions regarding depression therapy
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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