AIM: This paper is a report of a study to explore problems encountered by mental health professionals in the long-term care of patients with chronic depression. BACKGROUND: Patients who do not profit from psychopharmacological or psychotherapeutic treatment often need long-term care. Although they experience severe symptoms and loss of functioning, little is known about these people and the care they receive. METHOD: Experts in chronic depression (n = 8) participated in a four-phase Delphi study in 2006-2007. Problems were elicited through a focus group interview (first round) which was analysed using thematic analysis. The resulting problem list was validated (second round) and scored twice on a 7-point Likert scale (third and fourth rounds) by the participants. Urgency and changeability scores of 35 problems were obtained and a hierarchy of problems was set. In addition, qualitative data from the focus group interview were used to frame the results in the context of long-term care for patients with chronic depression. RESULTS: Problems were subdivided into five areas. Relapses by the patient, a pessimistic attitude by the professional and demoralization in both were major problems. Also noted were the negative societal connotations of chronic depression and the lack of a coherent view on treatment within mental health care. CONCLUSION: Chronicity of depression may be denied by both patients and professionals, resulting in an overly strong focus on cure and a limited quality of care. The results may be used as a starting point for construction of a best-practice programme to improve long-term care.
AIM: This paper is a report of a study to explore problems encountered by mental health professionals in the long-term care of patients with chronic depression. BACKGROUND:Patients who do not profit from psychopharmacological or psychotherapeutic treatment often need long-term care. Although they experience severe symptoms and loss of functioning, little is known about these people and the care they receive. METHOD: Experts in chronic depression (n = 8) participated in a four-phase Delphi study in 2006-2007. Problems were elicited through a focus group interview (first round) which was analysed using thematic analysis. The resulting problem list was validated (second round) and scored twice on a 7-point Likert scale (third and fourth rounds) by the participants. Urgency and changeability scores of 35 problems were obtained and a hierarchy of problems was set. In addition, qualitative data from the focus group interview were used to frame the results in the context of long-term care for patients with chronic depression. RESULTS: Problems were subdivided into five areas. Relapses by the patient, a pessimistic attitude by the professional and demoralization in both were major problems. Also noted were the negative societal connotations of chronic depression and the lack of a coherent view on treatment within mental health care. CONCLUSION: Chronicity of depression may be denied by both patients and professionals, resulting in an overly strong focus on cure and a limited quality of care. The results may be used as a starting point for construction of a best-practice programme to improve long-term care.
Authors: B Koekkoek; B van Meijel; B Tiemens; A Schene; G Hutschemaekers Journal: Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol Date: 2010-07-03 Impact factor: 4.328
Authors: Maringa H H Zoun; Bauke Koekkoek; Henny Sinnema; Christina M van der Feltz-Cornelis; Anton J L M van Balkom; Aart H Schene; Filip Smit; Jan Spijker Journal: BMC Psychiatry Date: 2019-01-28 Impact factor: 3.630
Authors: Maringa H H Zoun; Bauke Koekkoek; Henny Sinnema; Anna D T Muntingh; Anton J L M van Balkom; Aart H Schene; Filip Smit; Jan Spijker Journal: BMC Psychiatry Date: 2016-07-07 Impact factor: 3.630