We adapted the collaborative care model using telemedicine (e.g., telephone, interactive video, electronic medical records) to support antidepressant therapy initiated by primary care providers in small rural practices and evaluated the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of telemedicine-based collaborative care.

BACKGROUND / RATIONALE: Implementing collaborative care for depression in small rural Primary Care (PC) practices without on-site mental health specialists presents unique challenges. We adapted the collaborative care model using telemedicine (e.g., telephone, interactive video, electronic medical records) to support antidepressant therapy initiated by PC providers in small rural practices. The Telemedicine Enhanced Antidepressant Management (TEAM) collaborative care intervention was implemented by offsite personnel and all intervention components were implemented using telemedicine technologies. OBJECTIVE(S): Specific Aim 1: Determine whether the TEAM intervention improves quality and outcomes compared to usual care. Specific Aim 2: Determine whether the TEAM intervention will be cost-effective in routine practice settings. METHODS: Seven VISN 16 CBOCs participated in the study. CBOCs were included if they 1) treated >1,000 and <5,000 unique veterans, 2) had no on-site psychiatrists, and 3) had interactive video equipment. Matched CBOCs were randomized to receive the intervention or usual care. Of the 24,882 clinic patients, 73.6% (n=18,306) were successfully screened and 6.9% screened positive for depression (PHQ9 =12). Of those eligible for the study, 91.3% agreed to participate, and 91.9% of those attended their appointment and were consented. Over an 18-month period, 395 patients were enrolled, and 91.1% (n=360) were followed-up at six months. Telephone research interviews were conducted at baseline, six and twelve months. Effectiveness was tested using an intent-to-treat analysis. Cost-effectiveness analysis was assessed from the perspective of the VA. Costs included intervention costs, encounter costs, and medication costs. Quality Adjusted Life Years (QALYs) were calculated using the Quality of Well Being Scale.

Inclusion Criteria:

PHQ9 Score > or = to 12

Exclusion Criteria:

A diagnosis of schizophrenia, current suicide ideation, recent bereavement, or receiving specialty mental health treatment