Depression treatment being evaluated through Rogers Improvement System

07/06/17 05:21:pm

Depression Stats

Major depression is a leading cause of disability/disease burden worldwide

Depression is associated with a near doubling of overall health care costs but worsens overall health care outcomes

Depression increases all-cause mortality

17% will experience depression over lifetime

7% experience depression in a year

Women are twice as likely to experience depression.

The median age of onset is 30 but it can occur at any age.

Untreated episodes generally last 4-6 months

About 48% of clinical cases may be chronic lasting for more than two years

Risk of recurrence is ≥ 60% if one previous episode; ≥ 70% if two previous episodes; ≥ 90% if three previous episodes

These statistics come from the following sources: Kessler et al., 2005; APA, 2000; Benazzi, 1998; Unutzer et al., 2009; Carney & Freedland, 2009; Everson et al., 1998; Lin et al., 2009; Murphy et al., 1987; Penninx et al., 2001; WHO, 2008; Moussavi et al., 2007

Depression is the most common diagnosis and is an underlying condition for many patients at Rogers.

That’s why it’s so important that we use a consistent approach to arriving at the right treatment plan for each patient. In early June the Rogers Improvement System leaders began work on the Depression Value Stream.

“We’re looking at treatment of depression through every level of care and program throughout the Rogers system. This Value Stream is a little different from others because it addresses diagnosis and treatment,” says Dr. Jerry Halverson, medical director in Oconomowoc and value stream executive sponsor.

Goals for the Depression Value Stream include:

Every patient will be assessed for depression and we will measure the percentage getting that depression screening. A standard depression screen is not currently being done for all patients.
We will determine if the standard of care for depression will decrease the risk of suicide in our patients, which is the goal. We will also measure fidelity -- how often we follow our standard of care from admission through the discharge process.

“By using best practice and standards of care, we expect to improve outcomes and decrease the cost of care per patient,” adds Dr. Brad Riemann, value stream process owner.