Effectiveness of a training program for carers to recognize depression among older people

Abstract

The training program evaluated in the current study was effective in increasing the level of skills necessary for care staff to better detect depression among older people in both community and residential care settings. Further research is needed to determine if these improved skills are sustained over time, and if they actually improve the level of recognition of depression among older people.

Knowledge of late-life depression: An empirical investigation of aged care staff

“…Those aged care staff who had received some previous training in depression demonstrated higher scores on knowledge of the importance of responding to depression. This is consistent with preliminary evidence in the literature that participation in a brief depression training programme designed specifically for aged care staff is associated with improved knowledge of late-life depression (McCabe, Russo, Mellor, Davison, & George (2008); Walker & Osgood, 2000). However, staff who had received depression training in the current sample were not significantly more knowledgeable about the symptoms of depression than untrained staff, and they also endorsed myths of aging.…”

Detection of Depression in Patients with Low Vision

“…25 Participants respond to 14 items on a 4-point scale ("not confident" to "very confident"). Summed scores range from 14 to 56 with high scores representing greater confidence in working with depressed patients.…”

“…25 The scale includes 13 items, which are rated on a 4-point scale ("strongly disagree" to "strongly agree"). Summed scores range from 13 to 52 with high scores representing greater barriers to working with patients with depression.…”

Intervention for depression among palliative care patients and their families: A study protocol for evaluation of a training program for professional care staff

“…The depression training program, titled "Training program for professional carers to recognise and manage depression in palliative care settings", was developed by drawing from the researchers' experience with depression training in the aged care setting [17,18] and subsequently adapting this framework to the palliative care setting. A literature review pertaining to depression and psychosocial care in palliative care settings was conducted, and information relevant to the objectives of the study was extracted.…”