@article{ref1,
title="Pilot study of enhanced social support with automated telephone monitoring after psychiatric hospitalization for depression",
journal="Social psychiatry and psychiatric epidemiology",
year="2016",
author="Pfeiffer, Paul N. and Valenstein, Marcia and Ganoczy, Dara and Henry, Jennifer and Dobscha, Steven K. and Piette, John D.",
volume="52",
number="2",
pages="183-191",
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. <br><br>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. <br><br>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. <br><br>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.<p /> <p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="0933-7954",
doi="10.1007/s00127-016-1288-2",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00127-016-1288-2"
}