- Doctors Vary in Whether they Follow Depression Guidelines. Outcomes Improve When They Do
An observational study from 45 primary care practices found that clinicians adhered well to only one-third of specific guidelines for diagnosing and treating depression (Improving Patient Care, Article, p. 320).
Most clinicians recognized and treated depression but often did not address suicide risk, assess alcohol use, adjust treatment appropriately, or follow through on long-term treatment plans.
Better clinician adherence to recommendations was associated with fewer persistent depressive symptoms.
- Combination of Genetic and Blood Tests for Diagnosing Celiac Disease About the Same as Either One Alone
(Article, p. 294; Editorial, p. 339).
- Performance Measures Must Be Based on Strong Science, One Element of Which is a Proven Link Between Physician Adherence to Guidelines and Improved Outcomes.
(Editorial, p. 342).
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Journal
Annals of Internal Medicine