[Areas for improvement in the management of depression: perspectives of patients, families and professionals]

Rev Calid Asist. 2016 Nov-Dec;31(6):365-372. doi: 10.1016/j.cali.2016.03.010. Epub 2016 Jun 15.
[Article in Spanish]

Abstract

Introduction: There is currently a consensus that depression care requires understanding the experiences, expectations, and preferences of patients, and incorporating the views of the professionals involved in its management. The aim of this study was to explore and compare the perspectives of patients, families, and health professionals on the main areas for improvement in the clinical practice of depression.

Material and methods: Four focus groups were performed (2 with patients with major depression, one with family members, and one with professionals). Participants were recruited with the collaboration the Galician Health Service and the Federation of Associations of Relatives and Persons with Mental Disease. The content of the transcripts were analysed thematically.

Results: Five themes and 18 sub-themes emerged, including, diagnostic challenges, the need for a comprehensive approach, improvements in the coordination and monitoring, the establishment of an adequate relationship and therapeutic space and, finally, the impact of stigma. Patients, families and professionals provided partially overlapping and complementary information on these main themes.

Conclusions: The management of depression is a complex task, which requires the implementation of measures of a different nature. The incorporation of the perspectives of key stakeholders is essential and it is necessary to continue working on models of care for depression that optimise the experiences of patients, and take into account their preferences and expectations.

Keywords: Atención Primaria; Depresión; Depression; Focus groups; Grupos focales; Investigación cualitativa; Mental health; Primary Care; Qualitative research; Salud mental.

MeSH terms

  • Attitude of Health Personnel*
  • Depression / therapy*
  • Depressive Disorder, Major / therapy*
  • Family
  • Focus Groups
  • Humans