Further work is required to adapt and evaluate instruments to measure depression in the context of stroke. Development of an integrated care pathway may help to establish a more consistent approach to assessment and diagnosis of PSD.

The ICP was practical to use and provided systematic data on assessment of depression and response to treatment in 'real-life' clinical practice in a brain injury rehabilitation setting. Sertraline appears to be useful and well-tolerated in this context. A full placebo-controlled study is now required.

A suggested regimen for the use of sertraline in PSD was put forward. Development of an ICP may help to establish a more consistent approach to assessment and treatment of PSD, and form a basis for future comparison of different treatments as they become available.

This ICP raised staff awareness of depression, leading to improved documentation and possibly also standards of care.