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Uptake of Web-Based Clinical Resources from the MacArthur Initiative on Depression and Primary Care

Community Mental Health Journal volume 49, pages 166–171 (2013)Cite this article

Abstract

This study assessed the usability and desired enhancements for the MacArthur Foundation’s Depression and Primary Care (MDPC) Web site to determine if resources for integrated depression care that are disseminated through the Web site are incorporated into routine clinical care. Since its launch in 2003, more than 20,000 users registered as members of the MDPC website to read and download depression care resources. Subjects were randomly selected from MDPC Web site users who had previously downloaded the depression toolkit. Web-based survey, which was administered anonymously, included the following domains: (1) socio-demographic data, (2) confidence in managing depression (3) Web site content and design features, (4) desired enhancements to Web site and content, (5) use of resources downloaded from the Web site, and (6) importance of depression care resources. Of the 3,478 randomly selected participants, 666 (19.1%) responded. Web site content was rated “good” or “excellent” for screening and diagnosis (84.3%), treatment (69.8%), patient education (66.2%), and care management (66.9%). The Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) was rated “very useful” by 68.3%; 47.1% reported using it in at least 25% of encounters with patients who are depressed. PHQ-9 use was significantly associated with higher self-confidence in managing depression (P = 0.05). Evidence-based resources for depression care can be disseminated effectively through a dedicated Web site and may help clinicians incorporate effective care models into routine practice.

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Acknowledgments

This research was supported by the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation.

Author information

Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychiatry, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea

    Changsu Han

  2. 516, Gojan-dong, Ansan city, Gyunggi-do, 425-707, South Korea

    Changsu Han

  3. Department of Psychiatry and Internal Medicine, Clinical Research Training Program, Duke University Medical Center, 2424 Erwin Road, Suite 1105, Durham, NC, 27705, USA

    John W. Williams Jr.

  4. Center for Health Services Research in Primary Care, Durham VAMC, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA

    Corrine I. Voils & John W. Williams Jr.

Authors
  1. Changsu Han
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  2. Corrine I. Voils
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  3. John W. Williams Jr.
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to John W. Williams Jr..

Additional information

Dr. Williams is a member of a steering committee of the MacArthur Initiative Web site.

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Han, C., Voils, C.I. & Williams, J.W. Uptake of Web-Based Clinical Resources from the MacArthur Initiative on Depression and Primary Care. Community Ment Health J 49, 166–171 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10597-011-9461-2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10597-011-9461-2

Keywords

  • Depression care
  • Primary care
  • Web-based medical information