Discovering a New Standard for Treating Depressive Symptoms

SummaryDepression is currently ranked as the third leading contributor to global disease burden, and it is estimated that it will be number one by 2030. Care coordination models have been shown to help improve patient outcomes and reduce costs. Yet evidence-based standards for successfully contacting and engaging patients through care coordination are lacking. This study examines Integrated Health Hawaii’s engagement-focused care coordination model to provide evidence for the most effective utilization of care coordination with those suffering from depression in a diverse population. The current standard of making a “good effort,” three attempts, may only be reaching 60% of patients. To reach at least 75% of patients, seven attempts should be made; and to reach 95% of patients, 10 attempts should be made. These attempts can be made within a 2-week period, and the outcomes prevented are substantial in terms of alleviating symptoms, reducing Patient Health Questionnaire-9 scores, and preventing more costly care, including ER visits and self-harm.