Using Stakeholder Input to Inform an Innovative Research and Policy Initiative to Improve Depression in Safety Net Communities
Year: 2017
Type: article
Abstract: epressive disorders are the leading cause of adult disability in the United States, 1,2 are associated with reduced quality of life, and are risk factors for physical health problems.3 Although depression is prevalent in all ethnic groups, compared with Whites, racial/ethnic minorities have less access to evidence-based depression care and worse treatment outcomes.4 Similarly, individuals with lower SEP (i.e., low educational attainment, low income) tend to have higher rates of depression than more affluent individuals.5 Depression QI programs based on chronic disease management models have been shown to improve depression outcomes, 6,7 particularly for minority and low SEP populations.Nonetheless, access to such programs is limited in minority, under-resourced communities.8 Furthermore, improvements in mental health outcomes may be complicated by comorbid medical conditions and increased exposure to social determi- AbstractThe Problem: Depression quality improvement (QI) programs based on chronic disease management models have been shown to improve depression outcomes.Nonetheless, access to and the use of such programs is limited in minority, under-resourced communities.Purpose: We report on the outcomes of a Delphi-based consensus exercise conducted by our partnership at a community-wide conference in Los Angeles.Participants identified and prioritized the needs of depressed individuals that should be addressed in a county-wide Health Neighborhood Initiative (HNI) designed to increase existing mental health, substance use, health care, and social services for individuals with low socioeconomic position (SEP).Lessons Learned: Participants agreed that housing is the number one priority.Delphi results also illustrate the importance of addressing social, spiritual, and health care access needs of depressed individuals. Conclusions:Our study shows how to systematically engage community-based organizations, patients, families, and community members in the process of improving the design of community-wide health policy initiatives.
Institutions: RAND Corporation, Healthy African American Families II, Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science, University of California, Los Angeles, VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, The Lundquist Institute, Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health, Harbor–UCLA Medical Center
Language: English
Subfield: Social Psychology
Field: Psychology
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: bronze
OpenAlex ID: W2621906254