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Pilot study of enhanced social support with automated telephone monitoring after psychiatric hospitalization for depression

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Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Background

Following discharge, patients hospitalized for depression are at high risk for poor retention in outpatient care and adverse outcomes.

Aims

Pilot tests a post-hospital monitoring and enhanced support program for depression.

Method

48 patients at a Veterans Affairs Medical Center discharged following a depression-related inpatient stay received weekly visits or phone calls for 6 months from their choice of either a family member/friend (n = 19) or a certified peer support specialist (n = 29). Participants also completed weekly automated telephone monitoring calls assessing depressive symptoms and antidepressant medication adherence.

Results

Over 90% of participants were more satisfied with their care due to the service. The mean change from baseline to 6 months in depression symptoms was −7.9 (p < 0.05) according to the Patient Health Questionnaire and −11.2 (p < 0.05) according to the Beck Depression Inventory-II for those supported by a family member/friend, whereas those supported by a peer specialist had mean changes of −3.5 (p < 0.05) and −1.7 (p > 0.10), respectively.

Conclusions

Increased contact with a chosen support person coupled with automated telephone monitoring after psychiatric hospitalization is an acceptable service for patients with depression. Those who received the service, and particularly those supported by a family member/friend, experienced reductions in symptoms of depression.

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Acknowledgements

VA Quality Enhancement Research Initiative (RRP 12-505), Veterans Health Administration. John Piette is a VA Senior Research Career Scientist.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA

    Paul N. Pfeiffer, Marcia Valenstein & John D. Piette

  2. VA Center for Clinical Management Research, VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Ann Arbor, MI, USA

    Paul N. Pfeiffer, Marcia Valenstein, Dara Ganoczy, Jennifer Henry & John D. Piette

  3. VA Center for Veteran Involvement in Care, Portland Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Portland, MI, USA

    Steven K. Dobscha

  4. Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA

    Steven K. Dobscha

  5. University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI, USA

    John D. Piette

Authors
  1. Paul N. Pfeiffer
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  2. Marcia Valenstein
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  3. Dara Ganoczy
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  4. Jennifer Henry
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  5. Steven K. Dobscha
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  6. John D. Piette
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Paul N. Pfeiffer.

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Conflict of interest

No financial conflicts of interest.

Ethical standards

Study activities were approved by the VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System institutional review board.

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Pfeiffer, P.N., Valenstein, M., Ganoczy, D. et al. Pilot study of enhanced social support with automated telephone monitoring after psychiatric hospitalization for depression. Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol 52, 183–191 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00127-016-1288-2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00127-016-1288-2

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