A training program to enhance recognition of depression in nursing homes, assisted living, and other long-term care settings: Description and evaluation

ABSTRACT

Low levels of symptom recognition by staff have been “gateway” barriers to the management of depression in long-term care. The study aims were to refine a depression training program for front-line staff in long-term care and provide evaluative knowledge outcome data. Three primary training modules provide an overview of depression symptoms; a review of causes and situational and environmental contributing factors; and communication strategies, medications, and clinical treatment strategies. McNemar’s chi-square tests and paired t-tests were used to examine change in knowledge. Data were analyzed for up to 143 staff members, the majority from nursing. Significant changes (p < .001) in knowledge were observed for all modules, with an average change of between 2 and 3 points. Evidence was provided that participants acquired desired information in the recognition, detection, and differential diagnosis and treatment strategies for those persons at significant risk for a depressive disorder.

KEYWORDS:

• Depression recognition
• long-term care
• nursing homes
• program evaluation
• staff education
• staff training

Acknowledgments

This three-session training program, Depression in the Nursing Home, was developed originally by The Research Division of the Hebrew Home at Riverdale (RD-HHAR) in conjunction with Robert Abrams, MD, a geriatric psychiatrist at Weill Cornell Medical College, New York Presbyterian Hospital.

Funding

The development of these materials was supported, in part, by grants from the New York State Department of Health, from the National Institute for Nursing Research (J. Teresi, PI, 1 R01 NR 03508), and by the National Institute on Aging (D. Holmes, PI; 2 R01 AG014299-06A2). The current evaluation project was supported by the Consortium of New York Geriatric Education Centers funded by the Health Resources and Services Administration (J. Howe, PI; 5UB4 HP19194-05)

Additional information

Funding

The development of these materials was supported, in part, by grants from the New York State Department of Health, from the National Institute for Nursing Research (J. Teresi, PI, 1 R01 NR 03508), and by the National Institute on Aging (D. Holmes, PI; 2 R01 AG014299-06A2). The current evaluation project was supported by the Consortium of New York Geriatric Education Centers funded by the Health Resources and Services Administration (J. Howe, PI; 5UB4 HP19194-05)