Addressing the Problems of Depression in State and Local Health Care Programs. AWorkshop for State and Local Health Policymakers. Held in Washington, DC., on July 10-12, 2000

摘要

The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality's (AHRQ's) User Liaison Program(ULP); Federal Health Care Financing Administration; and Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration presented a 2-1/2-day workshop on the problems of depression. The workshop provided a forum for approximately 60 senior officials in the executive and legislative branches of government who are responsible for programs and policies influencing depression-related programs. Session topics included the problems of depression; a personal perspective; understanding AHRQ/ULP; improving the identification and treatment of depression in primary care settings; the implications of alternative managed care models, contracting arrangements, and reimbursement strategies; the treatment of depression and pharmaceutical use and costs; strategies for addressing depression; assistance for State and local policymakers; strategies for coordinating and strengthening State and local leadership; and further research. The workshop enabled participants to make more informed decisions and enhance their abilities to do the following: understand the impact of depression and how the health care system addresses it; use an evidence-based framework for considering strategies to improve the diagnosis and treatment of depression; assess the latest health services research in identifying approaches to meet the needs of patients; and draw upon the experiences of relevant public and private initiatives.