A care management intervention improved depression after stroke
Q In patients with depression after stroke, does a care management intervention improve depression outcomes more than usual care?
METHODS
Design:
randomised controlled trial.
Allocation:
concealed.
Blinding:
blinded (outcome assessor).
Follow-up period:
12 weeks.
Setting:
4 hospitals in Indianapolis, Indiana, USA.
Patients:
188 patients ⩾18 years of age (mean age 60 y, 54% women) who had major (74%) or minor (26%) depression after ischaemic stroke (patients were identified at the time of stroke and screened for depression 1–2 mo later), no severe language or cognitive impairment, and a life expectancy ⩾6 months. Exclusion criteria included active psychosis, suicidality, substance abuse, use of a monoamine oxidase inhibitor, and pregnancy.
Intervention:
the “Activate–Initiate–Monitor” care management intervention (n = 94) or usual care (n = 94). The intervention, conducted by nurse care managers, consisted of …
