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Australian Family Physician
Australian Family Physician

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Volume 38, Issue 11, November 2009

Collaborative care The role of practice nurses

James Dunbar Prasuna Reddy Mark A J Morgan
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Background
Comorbid depression can occur with diabetes and heart disease. This article reports on a feasibility study focusing on additional roles for practice nurses in detecting and monitoring depression with other chronic diseases.
Discussion
Practice nurses can include depression monitoring alongside systematic care of diabetes and heart disease. A randomised trial is currently underway to compare the clinical outcomes of this model with usual care.
Results
The 332 patients who participated in the project each received a comprehensive health summary to assist with self management. Depression was identified in 34% of patients in this convenience sample. After 18 months implementation, practice nurses were strongly in favour of continuing the model of care. General practitioners gave highly favourable ratings for effectiveness and willingness to continue this model of care.

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Printed from Australian Family Physician - https://www.racgp.org.au/afp/2009/november/collaborative-care
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