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Research results from M. Rubiovalera and colleagues update understanding of depression
2009 OCT 26 - (NewsRx.com) -- According to a study from Barcelona, Spain, "Treatment of depression, the most prevalent and costly mental disorder, needs to be improved. Non-concordance with clinical guidelines and non-adherence can limit the efficacy of pharmacological treatment of depression." "Through pharmaceutical care, pharmacists can improve patients' compliance and wellbeing. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of a community pharmacist intervention developed to improve adherence and outcomes of primary care patients with depression. A randomized controlled trial, with 6-month follow-up, comparing patients receiving a pharmaceutical care support programme in primary care with patients receiving usual care. The total sample comprises 194 patients (aged between 18 and 75) diagnosed with depressive disorder in a primary care health centre in the province of Barcelona (Spain). will be asked for written informed consent in order to participate in the study. Diagnosis will be confirmed using the SCID-I. The intervention consists of an educational programme focused on improving knowledge about medication, making patients aware of the importance of compliance, reducing stigma, reassuring patients about side-effects and stressing the importance of carrying out general practitioners' advice. will take place at baseline, and after 3 and 6 months. is compliance with antidepressants. include; clinical severity of depression (PHQ-9), anxiety (STAI-S), health-related quality of life (EuroQol-5D), satisfaction with the treatment received, side-effects, chronic physical conditions and socio-demographics. The use of healthcare and social care services will be assessed with an adapted version of the Client Service Receipt Inventory (CSRI)," wrote M. Rubiovalera and colleagues. The researchers concluded: "This trial will provide valuable information for health professionals and policy makers on the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of a pharmaceutical intervention programme in the context of primary care." Rubiovalera and colleagues published their study in BMC Public Health (Community pharmacist intervention in depressed primary care patients (PRODEFAR study): randomized controlled trial protocol. BMC Public Health, 2009;9():284). For more information, contact M. Rubiovalera, Fundacio St. Joan de Deu, St. Joan de Deu Service Salut Mental, Barcelona, Spain. Publisher contact information for the journal BMC Public Health is: Biomedical Central Ltd., 236 Grays Inn Rd., Floor 6, London WC1X 8HL, England. Keywords: Spain, Barcelona, Anxiety Disorder, Clinical Trial Research, Depression, Mental Disorder, Mental Health, Pharmaceuticals, Pharmacological, Public Health. This article was prepared by Biotech Business Week editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2009, Biotech Business Week via NewsRx.com.
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