Feedback to Improve Depression Outcomes

What this study is about

Depression is a leading cause of burden in Canada and globally. Although more people now seek and receive treatment for depression, there are still many who do not respond well to treatments. New and low-cost options are needed to improve the lives of people with depression. Research suggests that asking patients to complete questionnaires and sending feedback to their clinicians may improve depressive symptoms. Research also shows that encouraging individuals with depression to take part in shaping their own care can be beneficial. To date, no research has examined a combination of these two approaches. This project aims to investigate the benefits of providing personalized feedback to patients and clinicians in order to improve the care and outcomes for people with depression in Canada. To answer this research question, adults who are diagnosed with depression will be placed in one of two groups: 1. The patient and clinician will receive feedback to help guide further care based on the patient's responses to questionnaires 2. The patient and clinician will not receive feedback. The feedback form has been developed with input from clinicians, researchers and people with lived experience of depression, and follows new Canadian treatment guidelines. Information including depressive symptoms, quality of life, personal goals for recovery, and healthcare costs will be collected for a year or longer using an online data collection platform. The research team includes clinician-scientists, healthcare managers, educators, primary care physician and people with lived experience of depression. This project has the potential to deliver significant health benefits for individuals with depression, lessen the population burden of depression and improve the health care system by optimizing care delivery and improving quality of life at low cost.

Who can join (things the study team will check)

✅ You may be able to join if…

• a diagnosis of MDD or PDD established with the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-5 (SCID-5)
• depression being the primary current problem requiring clinical attention judged by an intake clinician
• age 18 or more (no upper limit)
• capacity to provide informed consent

🚫 You may not be able to join if…

• lifetime diagnosis of bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, schizophreniform disorder, schizoaffective disorder, current alcohol or drug use disorder
• pregnancy
• acute suicide risk (Montgomery and Asberg Depression Rating Scales (MADRS) (suicide item≥4)
• current psychotic symptoms.

Where this trial is running

• Nova Scotia Health Authority, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada

Who to contact

Rudolf Uher, MD, PhD · 1-902-473-7209 · rudolf.uher@nshealth.ca

It's completely normal to call and ask questions before deciding anything. Mention the study ID: NCT03162211.