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Jason Cross, PharmD1, Erica Murrell, PharmD1, Ann Lawthers, ScD2, Ellie Shea-Delaney, MPA3, and Mardia Coleman, MS2. (1) Pharmacy Practice, Massachusetts College of Pharmacy, 19 Foster St, Worcester, MA 01608-1715, 508-890-8855 x1868, jcross@mcp.edu, (2) Center for Health Policy and Evaluation, University of Massachusetts Medical School, 222 Maple Ave., Shrewsbury, MA 01545, (3) Executive Office of Elder Affairs, One Ashburton Place, Boston, MA 02108
Background: The Massachusetts Division of Medical Assistance commissioned the University of Massachusetts Center for Health Policy and Research to conduct a study to learn whether residents whose care DMA pays for in nursing facilities were receiving appropriate screening, treatment and follow-up for depression. This project focuses on the pharmacotherapy data identified in the study.
Methodology: The Nursing Facility Senior Depression Initiative used a multiple method approach to gather information, utilizing both quantitative and qualitative data gathering activities on a total of 840 resident records through the state at various nursing facilities. A portion of this study provided data (through an abstraction tool) to identify practice patterns for the treatment of seniors with depression in nursing facilities. The abstraction tool gathered resident record information including the following: demographics, symptoms of depression, diagnosis and treatment of depression, treatment monitoring, and medications.
Results: 520 (62%) patients were identified with a diagnosis of depression through record review. 92% of residents identified as having a depression diagnosis or as being monitored for depression had a depression care plan (behavior modification interventions, antidepressants, increased socialization, etc.). 82% of residents with a diagnosis of depression were taking antidepressant medications. The most common antidepressant class prescribed was SSRIs at 55%. Additionally, only 3% of patients on antidepressants were taking tricyclic antidepressants.
Conclusions: Nursing facilities in Massachusetts are using appropriate pharmacotherapy options when there is a diagnosis of depression.
Learning Objectives: The conclusion of the session, the participant (learner) in this session will be able to
Keywords: Elderly, Depression
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.