Low-Intensity Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in Group Telebehavioral Health Format for Depressive Disorders Treatment in Primary Care
Abstract
Background or Problem/Issue: Depressive disorders account for significant healthcare utilization and disability. Military Health System (MHS) facilities are not adequately matched with resources for sufficient accessibility of mental health (MH) services. Barriers to the availability of MH resources are a chief concern and facilitating greater access to MH evidence-based treatments supports all seven critical initiatives of the MHS Quadruple Aim. Clinical Question or Purpose: In patients diagnosed with depressive disorders, what is the effect of Low-Intensity Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (LiCBT), utilized in the primary care setting in a group telebehavioral health (TBH) format, on depressive symptom reduction, patient satisfaction, and use of civilian network services over six weeks? Project Design: Implemented and evaluated the effectiveness of six weekly, one-hour LiCBT Group TBH sessions used as an augmentation to current treatment for mild to moderate depression for twelve primary care patients with depressive disorders. The Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) and patient satisfaction questionnaire results were measured. Developed a program manual to outline implementation steps for future dissemination and sustainment. Analysis of the Results: Significant reduction in PHQ-9 scores from pre-session (median 10.5, IQR 7.5-12.0) to post-session (median 7.0, IQR 4.0-9.3) and 100% patient satisfaction. Nine patients (75%) did not seek MH services in the civilian network following LiCBT Group TBH, two (17%) were unable to be reached for follow-up, and one (8%) utilized civilian services. Summary level data suggest that 36.9-58.5% of patients seeking MH care sought treatment at civilian facilities in 2020, which increased slightly to 39.1-64.3% in 2021. Active-duty patients seek civilian services less frequently, with 12.7-14.6% seeking treatment outside the hospital in 2020 and 17.4-21.1% in 2021.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 12, 2022
- Accession Number
- AD1186212
Entities
People
- Carla J Graham
- Katherine G Whatley
- Nicole Morris
Organizations
- Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences