Depression Assessment and Management: Evaluating a Community‐Based Mental Health Training Program for Nurses

Abstract

This mental health training program was designed to increase primary care nurses' knowledge and skills about depression. The program emphasized criteria for assessing depression, presented psychopharmacologic and psychotherapeutic content, discussed care coordination among several agencies and providers, and addressed referral resources. Cultural and developmental issues were highlighted. The 237 participants had significant knowledge gains after the program on comparison of pretest and posttest measures. Client record audit found significant increases in the assessment of and intervention with depression. The training program successfully increased primary care nurses' abilities to use knowledge about depression in clinical practice.

District nurses’ involvement and attitudes to mental health problems: a three‐area cross‐sectional study

“…2003), with relatively few exploring the role of other primary care team members. Among works, which have focussed attention on other primary care staff, most have looked at the roles of either practice nurses (Badger et al. 1991, Plummer et al.…”

“…Most studies have examined general practitioners' attitudes and abilities in this area (Gilbody et al 2003), with relatively few exploring the role of other primary care team members. Among works, which have focussed attention on other primary care staff, most have looked at the roles of either practice nurses (Badger et al 1991, Plummer et al 1997, Crosland & Kai 1998, Gray et al 1999, Plummer et al 2000, or of health visitors -especially in relation to post-natal depression (Holden et al 1989, Murray et al 2004.…”

Evaluation of the PAHO/WHO training program on the detection and treatment of depression for primary care nurses in Panama

“…However, most training programs on depression have targeted doctors rather than nurses (28, 29). Programs for nurses have shown several positive effects in the process of care (18, 23–27); treatment outcomes, however, were not fully explored (18).…”

Street Music or the Blues? The Lived Experience and Social Environment of Depression

“…Specialization in nursing influences the information gathered and treatment decisions by nurses given identical clinical data ( O'Toole, O'Toole, Webster, & Lucal, 1996). Sensitizing community‐based nurses to the experience of depression may be helpful in lessening the burden of depression in the community ( Badger, Mishel, Biocca, & Cardea, 1991).…”