A review of integrated care management identified common components and outcomes that support older adults with depression.  

Background 

Integrated care management is a promising intervention to support older adults with depression and multiple chronic conditions. This review shares key components and outcomes of 38 studies that evaluated integrated care management programs for this population. 

Findings  

The studies included in the review spanned multiple countries and the U.S. and highlighted 13 unique care models. Features of these models include multidisciplinary care teams with a dedicated care manager, shared decision making between the patient and care team, and means to measure progress by telephone or online. Additionally, proactive care planning and caregiver engagement were common. Frequent clinical outcomes measured included depression severity, treatment response, functional status, and patient satisfaction. This review does not share which model features are more effective and highlights how there is limited guidance on how these models can be best implemented across care settings.  

Policy/Program Takeaways 

Engaging physical and behavioral health providers through an integrated care management program supports older adults with depression. Establishing standards for model implementation can help provide standardized and effective care for older adults and other populations with behavioral health needs.