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Savira F, Sanigorski A, Namara KM, Hensher M, Peeters A, Manias E. Perspectives on telehealth implementation in Australia: An exploratory qualitative study with practice managers and general practitioners. Int J Med Inform 2024; 188:105473. [PMID: 38743998 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijmedinf.2024.105473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2023] [Revised: 04/22/2024] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is a lack of understanding regarding the impact of telehealth on clinical delivery and the feasibility of sustained implementation by health services. The COVID-19 pandemic provided an ideal opportunity to identify factors related to the implementation of telehealth. This study assessed factors that influenced telehealth implementation during COVID-19 in the Western region of Victoria, Australia, from the perspectives of practice managers and general practitioners (GPs). METHODS Employing a qualitative approach, we conducted semi-structured interviews with 14 GPs and 11 practice managers across metropolitan and rural settings in the Western region of Victoria, Australia. Interviews were conducted between December 2021 to June 2022, which included periods during and beyond the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic. Themes were synthesised using the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research, which comprised five domains: innovation, inner setting, outer setting, individuals and implementation process. An additional domain related to billing and finances was added. RESULTS The innovation domain revealed that telehealth was identified by both stakeholder groups as a critical tool for improving healthcare access for vulnerable patients. GPs highlighted the role of telehealth in follow-up care and the need for extended telephone consultation services. For the implementation process, both stakeholder groups identified a shift in attitudes among GPs from reluctance to acceptance of telehealth. In terms of outer setting, constant changes in regulations posed challenges to administrative staff. Practice managers faced difficulties in acquiring information on changes, but those with robust professional networks were well supported. Initial loss of incentive funding and government-imposed billing methods posed hurdles for clinics. Both stakeholder groups highlighted the need for education around videoconference and a standardised telehealth platform. CONCLUSION Evolving telehealth regulations during the emergence of COVID-19 posed financial, operational and administrative challenges to primary care clinics. To ensure sustainability, policymakers should improve stakeholder communication, set interoperability standards, and ensure sustainable funding for telehealth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feby Savira
- Deakin University, Deakin Health Economics, Institute for Health Transformation, School of Health and Social Development, Geelong, Victoria, Australia; Deakin University, Global Obesity Centre, Institute for Health Transformation, School of Health and Social Development, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
| | - Andrew Sanigorski
- Deakin University, Global Obesity Centre, Institute for Health Transformation, School of Health and Social Development, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
| | - Kevin Mc Namara
- Deakin University, Deakin Health Economics, Institute for Health Transformation, School of Health and Social Development, Geelong, Victoria, Australia; Deakin University, Deakin Rural Health, School of Medicine, Warrnambool, Victoria, Australia
| | - Martin Hensher
- University of Tasmania, Menzies Institute for Medical Research, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Anna Peeters
- Deakin University, Institute for Health Transformation, School of Health and Social Development, Burwood, Victoria, Australia
| | - Elizabeth Manias
- Deakin University, Deakin Rural Health, School of Medicine, Warrnambool, Victoria, Australia; Deakin University, Centre for Quality and Patient Safety Research, Institute for Health Transformation, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Burwood, Victoria, Australia; Monash University, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
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Mutsvairo B, Terry D, Peck B. This Bloke Who Helps Me With My Tractor, He's Been the Best Psychologist: The Experience of Seeking Mental Health Support in Rural Australia. Am J Mens Health 2024; 18:15579883241249103. [PMID: 38686846 PMCID: PMC11062228 DOI: 10.1177/15579883241249103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2024] [Revised: 03/06/2024] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Mental illness is difficult to discuss among men due to notions of remaining tough, being a man, and societal expectations. In rural communities this is particularly evident which is further exacerbated by poor health care access. The aim of this study is to understand the lived experiences of men and their significant others when seeking mental health support in rural areas. A qualitative study was conducted using purposeful sampling. Data were collected using semi-structured interviews in rural or regional areas of Australia. Open-ended questions were asked but more questions were developed from the responses given. Data analysis was conducted using thematic analysis. Four key themes emerged. These encompassed triggers and help-seeking caused by stressors such as work, family, and poor physical health, with support seeking from professional or informal supports. The second theme included challenges securing professional support appointments, while the third was centered on access to medication and travel time. Finally, the final theme encompassed relationships being impacted by poor mental health or created insights into the need to seek help. The experiences explored throughout this study highlight that as men are impacted, so too are married or romantic partners and children; however, they are the catalyst for help-seeking. The study further highlights even when men are psychologically prepared to seek help, it may be difficult to do so. Improving access goes beyond mere medical professionals in rural areas and must focus on supporting families and loved ones to support men.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brenda Mutsvairo
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Southern Queensland, Ipswich, Queensland, Australia
| | - Daniel Terry
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Southern Queensland, Ipswich, Queensland, Australia
- Institute of Health and Wellbeing, Federation University, Mt Helen, Victoria, Australia
- Centre for Health Research, University of Southern Queensland, Ipswich, Queensland, Australia
| | - Blake Peck
- Institute of Health and Wellbeing, Federation University, Mt Helen, Victoria, Australia
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Roper A, Brooks D, Mitchell LK, Pachana NA, Au TR, Byrne GJ, O'Sullivan JD, Dissanayaka NN. Feasibility and Acceptability of a Videoconferencing CBT Intervention for Anxiety in People with Parkinson's Disease. Clin Gerontol 2024:1-16. [PMID: 38277135 DOI: 10.1080/07317115.2024.2306861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES In people with Parkinson's disease (PwPD), non-motor symptoms such as anxiety are common and have negative impacts on their quality of life. There are currently few interventions that address anxiety in PwPD, and access to diagnosis and treatment is often limited for those living in rural areas. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of a telehealth videoconferencing CBT intervention for anxiety in PwPD. METHODS A pre- and post-test feasibility study (N = 10) was conducted and evaluated utilizing the RE-AIM framework (Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation, and Maintenance). RESULTS Lack of access to the internet and videoconferencing technology were identified as barriers to participation. Physical health issues also impacted recruitment and retention. Non-completers were significantly older and less likely to have a carer involved in the intervention. Clinician adoption of the intervention was low while participant acceptability of videoconferencing technology varied and required carer support. CONCLUSIONS Providing access to technology and support to overcome technological issues, as well as telehealth training for clinicians, are recommended in future studies to improve recruitment, retention, and implementation. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS Identification of barriers and facilitators provides future studies with the knowledge to tailorize their program to better suit PwPD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy Roper
- The University of Queensland Centre for Clinical Research, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
- School of Psychology, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Deborah Brooks
- The University of Queensland Centre for Clinical Research, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | | | - Nancy A Pachana
- School of Psychology, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Tiffany R Au
- The University of Queensland Centre for Clinical Research, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Gerard J Byrne
- The University of Queensland Centre for Clinical Research, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
- Mental Health Service, Royal Brisbane & Women's Hospital, Brisbane, Australia
| | - John D O'Sullivan
- The University of Queensland Centre for Clinical Research, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
- Department of Neurology, Royal Brisbane & Women's Hospital, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Nadeeka N Dissanayaka
- The University of Queensland Centre for Clinical Research, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
- School of Psychology, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
- Department of Neurology, Royal Brisbane & Women's Hospital, Brisbane, Australia
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Mazouri-Karker S, Lüchinger R, Braillard O, Bajwa N, Achab S, Hudelson P, Dominicé Dao M, Junod Perron N. Perceptions of and Preferences for Telemedicine Use Since the Early Stages of the COVID-19 Pandemic: Cross-Sectional Survey of Patients and Physicians. JMIR Hum Factors 2023; 10:e50740. [PMID: 37934574 PMCID: PMC10664018 DOI: 10.2196/50740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/12/2023] [Indexed: 11/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND While the use of telemedicine (TLM) increased worldwide during the early phases of the COVID-19 pandemic, little is known about the use and acceptance of TLM post the COVID-19 pandemic. OBJECTIVE This study aims to evaluate patients' and physicians' self-reported use, preferences, and acceptability of different types of TLM after the initial phases of the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional survey among patients and physicians in Geneva, Switzerland, between September 2021 and January 2022. Patients in waiting rooms of both private and public medical centers and emergency services were invited to answer a web-based questionnaire. Physicians working in private and public settings were invited by email to answer a similar questionnaire. The questionnaires assessed participants' sociodemographics and digital literacy; self-reported use of TLM; as well as preferences and acceptability of TLM for different clinical situations. RESULTS A total of 567 patients (309/567, 55% women) and 448 physicians (230/448, 51% women and 225/448, 50% in private practice) responded to the questionnaire. Patients (263/567, 46.5%) and physicians (247/448, 55.2%) generally preferred the phone over other TLM formats and considered it to be acceptable for most medical situations. Email (417/567, 73.6% and 308/448, 68.8%) was acceptable for communicating exam results, and medical certificates (327/567, 67.7% and 297/448, 66.2%) and video (302/567, 53.2% and 288/448, 64.3%) was considered acceptable for psychological support by patients and physicians, respectively. Older age was associated with lower acceptability of video for both patients and physicians (odds ratio [OR] 0.03, 95% CI 0.00-0.33 and OR 0.23, 95% CI 0.08-0.66) while previous use of video was positively associated with video acceptability (OR 3.16, 95% CI 1.84-5.43 and OR 3.34, 95% CI 2.91-5.54). Psychiatrists and hospital physicians were more likely to consider video to be acceptable (OR 10.79, 95% CI 3.96-29.30 and OR 3.97, 95% CI 2.23-7.60). CONCLUSIONS Despite the development of video, the acceptability of video remains lower than that of the phone for most health issues or patient requests. There is a need to better define for which patients and in which medical situations video can become safe and efficient.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanae Mazouri-Karker
- E-health and Telemedicine Division, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Robin Lüchinger
- Unit of Development and Research in Medical Education, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Olivia Braillard
- Primary Care Division, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Nadia Bajwa
- Unit of Development and Research in Medical Education, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
- Department of General Pediatrics at the Children's Hospital, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Sophia Achab
- Treatment Centre ReConnecte, Department of Psychiatry, University Hospitals of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
- Clinical and Sociological Research Unit, WHO Collaborating Centre for Training and Research in Mental Health, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Patricia Hudelson
- Department of Primary Care Medicine, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Melissa Dominicé Dao
- Department of Primary Care Medicine, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Noelle Junod Perron
- Unit of Development and Research in Medical Education, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
- Medical Directory, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
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Werkmeister B, Haase AM, Fleming T, Officer TN. Global Implications From the Rise and Recession of Telehealth in Aotearoa New Zealand Mental Health Services During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Mixed Methods Study. JMIR Form Res 2023; 7:e50486. [PMID: 37738075 PMCID: PMC10519279 DOI: 10.2196/50486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2023] [Revised: 08/19/2023] [Accepted: 08/20/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of telehealth services for remote mental health care provision. Although studies indicate that telehealth can enhance the efficiency of service delivery and might be favored or even preferred by certain clients, its use varied after the pandemic. Once the pandemic-related restrictions eased, some regions curtailed their telehealth offerings, whereas others sustained them. Understanding the factors that influenced these decisions can offer valuable insights for evidence-based decision-making concerning the future of telehealth in mental health services. OBJECTIVE This study explored the factors associated with the uptake of and retreat from telehealth across a multiregional outpatient mental health service in Aotearoa New Zealand. We aimed to contribute to the understanding of the factors influencing clinicians' use of telehealth services to inform policy and practice. METHODS Applying an interpretive description methodology, this sequential mixed methods study involved semistructured interviews with 33 mental health clinicians, followed by a time-series analysis of population-level quantitative data on clinician appointment activities before and throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. The interviews were thematically analyzed, and select themes were reframed for quantitative testing. The time-series analysis was conducted using administrative data to explore the extent to which these data supported the themes. In total, 4,117,035 observations were analyzed between October 1, 2019, and August 1, 2022. The findings were then synthesized through the rereview of qualitative themes. RESULTS The rise and recession of telehealth in the study regions were related to 3 overarching themes: clinician preparedness and role suitability, population determinants, and service capability. Participants spoke about the importance of familiarity and training but noted differences between specialist roles. Quantitative data further suggested differences based on the form of telehealth services offered (eg, audiovisual or telephone). In addition, differences were noted based on age, gender, and ethnicity; however, clinicians recognized that effective telehealth use enabled clinicians' flexibility and client choice. In turn, clinicians spoke about system factors such as telehealth usability and digital exclusion that underpinned the daily functionality of telehealth. CONCLUSIONS For telehealth services to thrive when they are not required by circumstances such as pandemic, investment is needed in telehealth training for clinicians, digital infrastructure, and resources for mental health teams. The strength of this study lies in its use of population-level data and consideration of a telehealth service operating across a range of teams. In turn, these findings reflect the voice of a variety of mental health clinicians, including teams operating from within specific cultural perspectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Werkmeister
- School of Health, Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
- Department of Psychological Medicine, University of Otago (Wellington), Wellington, New Zealand
- Te Whatu Ora, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Anne M Haase
- School of Health, Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Theresa Fleming
- School of Health, Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Tara N Officer
- School of Nursing, Midwifery, and Health Practice, Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
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Nelson D, Inghels M, Kenny A, Skinner S, McCranor T, Wyatt S, Phull J, Nanyonjo A, Yusuff O, Gussy M. Mental health professionals and telehealth in a rural setting: a cross sectional survey. BMC Health Serv Res 2023; 23:200. [PMID: 36849933 PMCID: PMC9970689 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-023-09083-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 03/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Telehealth usage has been promoted in all settings but has been identified as a panacea to issues of access and equity in the rural context. However, uptake and widespread integration of telehealth across all parts of the health system has been slow, with a myriad of barriers documented, including in rural settings. The crisis of the COVID-19 pandemic, saw barriers rapidly overturned with the unprecedented and exponential rise in telehealth usage. The uniqueness of the crisis forced telehealth adoption, but as the urgency stabilises, pandemic learnings must be captured, utilised, and built upon in a post-pandemic world. The aim of this study was to document staff experiences and perceptions of delivering rural psychological therapies via telehealth during the pandemic and to capture learnings for future rural telehealth delivery. METHODS An online cross-sectional survey that explored mental health professional's experiences, use, and perceptions of telehealth before and after pandemic-enforced changes to service delivery. RESULTS Sixty-two respondents completed the questionnaire (response rate 68%). Both the delivery of telehealth via telephone and online video conferencing significantly increased during the pandemic (66% vs 98%, p < .001 for telephone and 10% vs 89%, p < 0.001 for online video). Respondents indicated that client's access to services and attendance had improved with telehealth use but their attention and focus during sessions and non-verbal communication had been negatively affected. The challenges for older adults, people with learning and sensory disabilities, and residents in remote areas with poorer mobile/internet connectivity were identified. Despite these challenges, none of the respondents indicated a preference to return to fully face-to-face service delivery with most (86%) preferring to deliver psychological therapies fully or mostly via telehealth. CONCLUSIONS This study addresses three major gaps in knowledge: the experience of delivering local telehealth solutions to address rural mental health needs, the provision of strong rural-specific telehealth recommendations, and the dearth of rural research emanating from the United Kingdom. As the world settles into a living with COVID-19 era, the uniqueness of the rural telehealth context may be forgotten as urban myopia continues to dominate telehealth policy and uptake. It is critical that rural resourcing and digital connectivity are addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Nelson
- grid.36511.300000 0004 0420 4262Lincoln International Institute for Rural Health (LIIRH), University of Lincoln, Lincoln, UK
| | - Maxime Inghels
- grid.36511.300000 0004 0420 4262Lincoln International Institute for Rural Health (LIIRH), University of Lincoln, Lincoln, UK ,grid.4399.70000000122879528Centre Population et Développement (UMR 196 Paris Descartes – IRD), SageSud (ERL INSERM 1244), Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, Paris, France
| | - Amanda Kenny
- grid.36511.300000 0004 0420 4262Lincoln International Institute for Rural Health (LIIRH), University of Lincoln, Lincoln, UK ,grid.1018.80000 0001 2342 0938La Trobe Rural Health School, La Trobe University, Bendigo, Australia
| | - Steve Skinner
- grid.500529.b0000 0004 0489 4451Lincolnshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, Lincoln, UK
| | - Tracy McCranor
- grid.500529.b0000 0004 0489 4451Lincolnshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, Lincoln, UK
| | - Stephen Wyatt
- grid.500529.b0000 0004 0489 4451Lincolnshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, Lincoln, UK
| | - Jaspreet Phull
- grid.500529.b0000 0004 0489 4451Lincolnshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, Lincoln, UK
| | - Agnes Nanyonjo
- grid.36511.300000 0004 0420 4262Lincoln International Institute for Rural Health (LIIRH), University of Lincoln, Lincoln, UK
| | - Ojali Yusuff
- grid.36511.300000 0004 0420 4262Lincoln International Institute for Rural Health (LIIRH), University of Lincoln, Lincoln, UK ,grid.500529.b0000 0004 0489 4451Lincolnshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, Lincoln, UK ,grid.464673.40000 0004 0469 8549Sherwood Forest Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Nottingham, UK
| | - Mark Gussy
- Lincoln International Institute for Rural Health (LIIRH), University of Lincoln, Lincoln, UK. .,La Trobe Rural Health School, La Trobe University, Bendigo, Australia.
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General practice management of depression among patients with coronary heart disease in Australia. BMC PRIMARY CARE 2022; 23:329. [PMID: 36526976 PMCID: PMC9755773 DOI: 10.1186/s12875-022-01938-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 12/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Incident depression is associated with coronary heart disease (CHD) and increased morbidity and mortality. Treatment of depression with antidepressants and psychotherapy can be beneficial for these patients to reduce the risk of further CHD events. Ongoing management of CHD and depression mainly occurs in the community, but little is known about the identification and care of patients with comorbid CHD and depression in general practice. This study explores the prescription of antidepressants for these patients by sociodemographic variables. METHODS This is an open cohort study with de-identified data based on electronic medical records of 880,900 regular patients aged 40 + years from a national general practice database in Australia (MedicineInsight). Data from 2011-2018 was used to classify patients as newly recorded CHD (CHD recorded in 2018 but not in previous years), previously recorded CHD (CHD recorded between 2011-2017) or no recorded history of CHD. Antidepressant prescribing in 2018 considered active ingredients and commercial brand names. The association between sociodemographic variables and antidepressant prescribing was tabulated according to the CHD status. RESULTS The proportion of current depression among patients with newly recorded CHD was 11.4% (95%CI 10.3-12.6), 10.5% among those with previously recorded CHD (95%CI 10.0-11.1) and 9.6% among those with no recorded history of CHD (95%CI 9.2-10.1). Antidepressant prescribing was slightly higher among those with newly recorded CHD (76.4%; 95%CI 72.1-80.6) than among those with previously recorded CHD (71.6%; 95%CI 69.9-73.2) or no history of CHD (69.5%; 95%CI 68.6-70.4). Among males with newly recorded CHD and depression, antidepressant prescribing was more frequent in major cities or inner regional areas (~ 81%) than in outer/remote Australia (66.6%; 95% CI 52.8-80.4%). CONCLUSIONS Although antidepressant prescribing was slightly greater in those with newly recorded CHD compared to those with depression alone, its clinical significance is uncertain. Much larger differences in prescribing were seen by geographic location and could be addressed by innovations in clinical practice.
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