Development of a Targeted Patient Portal Intervention to Improve Depression Treatment Adherence and Outcomes

Development of a Targeted Patient Portal Intervention to Improve Depression Treatment Adherence, Satisfaction, and Outcomes

The purpose of this research study is to learn how best to use patient portals to help improve the treatment of mood disorders.

This study is being done in 3 phases. First 2 phases were observational with total enrollment of 300 subjects. The final 3rd phase is interventional and we are anticipating to enroll 50 subjects. It is described below.

Patients being treated for depressive symptoms at the University of Iowa, Department of Psychiatry are invited to participate. Participants will complete a remote (phone or video) visit. After being informed about the study and potential risks, those who consent to being in the study will be assigned to one of two groups. They will complete an online survey and receive some basic training on patient portals. After the visit. both groups will be followed for 6 months. Depending on their group assignment, they will complete:

• two to five phone calls with a study team member and
• two to five online questionnaires

Inclusion Criteria:

• English speaking,
• PHQ-9 score of 10 or higher (questions 1-8 only),
• Taking medication for depressive symptoms,
• 1 or more appointments scheduled or planned with University of Iowa psychiatry provider in next 6 months,
• Home computer w/internet access,
• MyChart (University of Iowa Healthcare's patient portal) account/MyChart enrollment

Exclusion Criteria:

• Psychotic disorder/symptoms,
• Current substance use disorders (other than alcohol, tobacco, marijuana),
• Active suicidal ideation within past 1 year,
• Cognitive impairment