Multidisciplinary guidelines in Dutch mental health care: plans, bottlenecks and possible solutions

Long-term remission rates and trajectory predictors in obsessive-compulsive disorder: Findings from a six-year naturalistic longitudinal cohort study

BACKGROUND

This naturalistic study, utilizing data from the Netherlands Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Association (NOCDA) cohort, investigated the long-term remission rates and predictors of different trajectories of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) within a clinical population.

METHODS

A sample of 213 participants was classified into three illness trajectories: "Chronic," "Episodic, "and "Remitted-OCD." Long-term remission rates were calculated based on three follow-up measurements over a 6-year period. A multinomial logistic regression model, incorporating five selected predictors with high explanatory power and one covariate, was employed to analyze OCD trajectory outcomes.

RESULTS

The long-term full remission rates, calculated from all the measurements combined (14%), were significantly lower than what was observed in earlier studies and when compared to assessments at each individual follow-up (∼30%). Moreover, high baseline symptom severity and early age of onset were identified as significant risk factors for a chronic course of OCD, while male sex and younger age predicted a more favorable trajectory. Notably, the likelihood of an episodic course remained high even without identified risk factors.

LIMITATIONS

The bi-annual data collection process is unable to capture participants' clinical conditions between assessments. Additionally, no data was collected regarding the specific type and duration of psychological treatment received. Regarding the type of treatment participants received.

CONCLUSIONS

Results suggest that long-term remission rates may be lower than previously reported. Consequently, employing multiple assessment points in longitudinal studies is necessary for valid estimation of long-term full remission rates. The results emphasize the importance of personalized clinical care and ongoing monitoring and maintenance for most OCD cases.

Predictors of the 6-year outcome of obsessive-compulsive disorder: Findings from the Netherlands Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Association study

OBJECTIVE

Obsessive-compulsive disorder is characterized by a chronic course that can vary between patients. The knowledge on the naturalistic long-term outcome of obsessive-compulsive disorder and its predictors is surprisingly limited. The present research was designed to identify clinical and psychosocial predictors of the long-term outcome of obsessive-compulsive disorder.

METHODS

We included 377 individuals with a current diagnosis of obsessive-compulsive disorder, who participated in the Netherlands Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Association study, a multicenter naturalistic cohort study. Predictors were measured at baseline using self-report questionnaires and clinical interviews. Outcome was assessed using the Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale at 2-, 4- and 6-year follow-up.

RESULTS

The overall course of obsessive-compulsive disorder was characterized by two prominent trends: the first reflected an improvement in symptom severity, which was mitigated by the second, worsening trend in the long term. Several determinants affected the course variations of obsessive-compulsive disorder, namely, increased baseline symptom severity, late age of onset, history of childhood trauma and autism traits.

CONCLUSION

The long-term outcome of obsessive-compulsive disorder in naturalistic settings was characterized by an overall improvement in symptom severity, which was gradually halted to the point of increased worsening. However, after 6 years, the severity of symptoms remained below the baseline level. While certain determinants predicted a more favorable course, their effect diminished over time in correspondence to the general worsening trend. The results highlight the importance of a regular and continuous monitoring for symptom exacerbations as part of the management of the obsessive-compulsive disorder, regardless of the presence of putative predictors.

Perspectives on Implementing the Patient Health Questionnaire-4 in Low-Vision Service Organizations to Screen for Depression and Anxiety

Purpose

To describe the process of implementing a screening questionnaire for depression and anxiety, the Patient Health Questionnaire-4 (PHQ-4), in low-vision service (LVS) organizations.

Methods

This study consisted of three parts: (1) a usability study combined with semistructured interviews, in which clients (n = 10) of LVS organizations expressed their preference for using the PHQ-4; (2) a feasibility study, in which the PHQ-4 was implemented on a small scale and its use was evaluated, involving health care providers (n = 6) and clients (n = 9); and (3) semistructured interviews to identify barriers and facilitators for implementing the PHQ-4 according to health care providers (n = 6) and managers (n = 4) of LVS organizations. Results were integrated into themes and linked to constructs of the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR).

Results

Six themes were derived from the substudies: (1) quality of the intervention, (2) applicability for clients of LVS organizations, (3) attitude and needs of clients, (4) attitude of health care providers, (5) support within LVS organizations, and (6) embedment in current practice. Results could be linked to 12 CFIR constructs. The constructs "relative advantage," "patient needs and resources," and "available resources" emerged most prominently in our themes as either barrier or facilitator.

Conclusions

The PHQ-4 seems an appropriate screening instrument for use in LVS organizations because of its quality and adaptable use. It might provide opportunities to timely detect depression and anxiety, but challenges in implementing the PHQ-4 should be considered.

Translational Relevance

Barriers and facilitators for implementing the PHQ-4 may also apply to implementing other questionnaires in LVS organizations.

Conceptualization of Major Stakeholders in Emergency Management of Childcare Facilities

This study aims to conceptualize the key stakeholders in emergency management of childcare facilities for applicable nations by referring to the Korean case. Qualitative content analysis is the main methodology used. Unique features are gathered from the Korean literature on childcare facilities and then summarized; however, universal principles from the English language literature on international childcare facilities are emphasized. The analysis of five major stakeholders in Korean childcare facilities, namely, governments, community personnel, parents, childcare providers, and children, shows that their current efforts are directed only at general safety management. Multi-hazard management or an integrated approach in terms of social work is thus provided as an alternative for not only Korea but also other nations.

Economic evaluation of stepped-care versus usual care for depression and anxiety in older adults with vision impairment: randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

A stepped-care program was found effective in preventing depressive and anxiety disorders in older adults with vision impairment. However, before a decision can be made about implementation, the cost-effectiveness of this program should be investigated. Therefore, we aimed to compare the cost-effectiveness of stepped-care versus usual care within low vision rehabilitation.

METHODS

An economic evaluation from a societal perspective was performed alongside a multicenter randomized controlled trial. Data were collected by masked assessors during 24 months. Included were 265 older adults with vision impairment and subthreshold depression and/or anxiety. They were randomly assigned to stepped-care plus usual care (n = 131) or usual care alone (n = 134). Stepped-care comprised 1) watchful waiting, 2) guided self-help based on cognitive behavioral therapy, 3) problem solving treatment, and 4) referral to a general practitioner. Costs were based on direct healthcare costs and indirect non-healthcare costs. Main outcome measures were quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) and the cumulative incidence of major depressive, dysthymic and/or anxiety disorders. Secondary outcomes were symptoms of depression and anxiety.

RESULTS

Based on intention-to-treat, significant differences were found in the incidence of depressive/anxiety disorders (mean difference 0.17; 95% CI 0.06 to 0.29) and symptoms of anxiety (mean difference 1.43, 95% CI 0.10 to 2.77) in favor of stepped-care versus usual care; no significant difference was found for QALYs and symptoms of depression. Societal costs were non-significantly lower in the stepped-care group compared with the usual care group (mean difference: -€877; 95% confidence interval (CI): -8039 to 5489). Cost-effectiveness acceptability curves showed that the probability of cost-effectiveness was 95% or more at a willingness-to-pay of €33,000 per disorder prevented. The probability that stepped-care was cost-effective compared to usual care was 59% or more for a ceiling ratio of 0 €/QALY and increased to 65% at 20000 €/QALY.

CONCLUSIONS

This economic evaluation shows that stepped-care is dominant to usual care, with a probability of around 60%, due to its clinical superiority and its modest cost savings. However, it depends on the willingness-to-pay of decision makers whether or not stepped-care is considered cost-effective compared with usual care.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

identifier: NTR3296 , date: 13-02-2012.

Stepped care for depression and anxiety in visually impaired older adults: multicentre randomised controlled trial

STUDY QUESTION

Is stepped care compared with usual care effective in preventing the onset of major depressive, dysthymic, and anxiety disorders in older people with visual impairment (caused mainly by age related eye disease) and subthreshold depression and/or anxiety?

METHODS

265 people aged ≥50 were randomly assigned to a stepped care programme plus usual care (n=131) or usual care only (n=134). Supervised occupational therapists, social workers, and psychologists from low vision rehabilitation organisations delivered the stepped care programme, which comprised watchful waiting, guided self help based on cognitive behavioural therapy, problem solving treatment, and referral to a general practitioner. The primary outcome was the 24 month cumulative incidence (seven measurements) of major depressive dysthymic and/or anxiety disorders (panic disorder, agoraphobia, social phobia, and generalised anxiety disorder). Secondary outcomes were change in symptoms of depression and anxiety, vision related quality of life, health related quality of life, and adaptation to vision loss over time up to 24 months' follow-up.

STUDY ANSWER AND LIMITATIONS

62 participants (46%) in the usual care group and 38 participants (29%) from the stepped care group developed a disorder. The intervention was associated with a significantly reduced incidence (relative risk 0.63, 95% confidence interval 0.45 to 0.87; P=0.01), even if time to the event was taken into account (adjusted hazard ratio 0.57, 0.35 to 0.93; P=0.02). The number needed to treat was 5.8 (3.5 to 17.3). The dropout rate was fairly high (34.3%), but rates were not significantly different for the two groups, indicating that the intervention was as acceptable as usual care. Participants who volunteered and were selected for this study might not be representative of visually impaired older adults in general (responders were significantly younger than non-responders), thereby reducing the generalisability of the outcomes.

WHAT THIS STUDY ADDS

Stepped care seems to be a promising way to deal with depression and anxiety in visually impaired older adults. This approach could lead to standardised strategies for the screening, monitoring, treatment, and referral of visually impaired older adults with depression and anxiety.

FUNDING, COMPETING INTERESTS, DATA SHARING

Funded by ZonMw InZicht, the Dutch Organisation for Health Research and Development-InSight Society. There are no competing interests. Full dataset and statistical code are available from the corresponding author.Study registration www.trialregister.nl NTR3296.

Watchful waiting for subthreshold depression and anxiety in visually impaired older adults

Purpose

Immediate treatment of depression and anxiety may not always be necessary in resilient patients. This study aimed to determine remission rates of subthreshold depression and anxiety, incidence rates of major depressive and anxiety disorders, and predictors of these remission and incidence rates in visually impaired older adults after a three-month ‘watchful waiting’ period.

Methods

A pretest–posttest study in 265 visually impaired older adults (mean age 74 years), from outpatient low-vision rehabilitation services, with subthreshold depression and/or anxiety was performed as part of a randomised controlled trial on the cost-effectiveness of a stepped-care intervention. An ordinal logistic regression analysis was conducted. Main outcome measures were: (1) subthreshold depression and anxiety measured with the Centre for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) and the anxiety subscale of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS-A), and (2) depressive and anxiety disorders measured with the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview.

Results

After a three-month watchful waiting period, depression and anxiety decreased significantly by 3.8 (CES-D) and 1.4 points (HADS-A) (p < 0.001). Of all participants, 34 % recovered from subthreshold depression and/or anxiety and 18 % developed a depressive and/or anxiety disorder. Female gender [odds ratio (OR) 0.49, 95 % confidence interval (CI) 0.28–0.86], more problems with adjustment to vision loss at baseline (OR 1.02, 95 % CI 1.00–1.03), more symptoms of depression and anxiety at baseline (OR 1.06, 95 % CI 1.02–1.10), and a history of major depressive, dysthymic, and/or panic disorder (OR 2.28, 95 % CI 1.28–4.07) were associated with lower odds of remitting from subthreshold depression and/or anxiety and higher odds of developing a disorder after watchful waiting.

Conclusions

Watchful waiting can be an appropriate step in managing depression and anxiety in visually impaired older adults. However, female gender, problems with adjustment to vision loss, higher depression and anxiety symptoms, and a history of a depressive or anxiety disorder confer a disadvantage. Screening tools may be used to identify patients with these characteristics, who may benefit more from higher intensity treatment or a shorter period of watchful waiting.

The effect of an e-learning supported Train-the-Trainer programme on implementation of suicide guidelines in mental health care

BACKGROUND

Randomized studies examining the effect of training of mental health professionals in suicide prevention guidelines are scarce. We assessed whether professionals benefited from an e-learning supported Train-the-Trainer programme aimed at the application of the Dutch multidisciplinary suicide prevention guideline.

METHODS

45 psychiatric departments from all over the Netherlands were clustered in pairs and randomized. In the experimental condition, all of the staff of psychiatric departments was trained by peers with an e-learning supported Train-the-Trainer programme. Guideline adherence of individual professionals was measured by means of the response to on-line video fragments. Multilevel analyses were used to establish whether variation between conditions was due to differences between individual professionals or departments.

RESULTS

Multilevel analysis showed that the intervention resulted in an improvement of individual professionals. At the 3 month follow-up, professionals who received the intervention showed greater guideline adherence, improved self-perceived knowledge and improved confidence as providers of care than professionals who were only exposed to traditional guideline dissemination. Subgroup analyses showed that improved guideline adherence was found among nurses but not among psychiatrists and psychologists. No significant effect of the intervention on team performance was found.

LIMITATIONS

The ICT environment in departments was often technically inadequate when displaying the video clips clip of the survey. This may have caused considerable drop-out and possibly introduced selection bias, as professionals who were strongly affiliated to the theme of the study might have been more likely to finish the study.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results support the idea that an e-learning supported Train-the-Trainer programme is an effective strategy for implementing clinical guidelines and improving care for suicidal patients.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Netherlands Trial Register (NTR3092 www.trialregister.nl).

Effects and side-effects of integrating care: the case of mental health care in the Netherlands

PURPOSE

Description and analysis of the effects and side-effects of integrated mental health care in the Netherlands.

CONTEXT OF CASE

Due to a number of large-scale mergers, Dutch mental health care has become an illustration of integration and coherence of care services. This process of integration, however, has not only brought a better organisation of care but apparently has also resulted in a number of serious side-effects. This has raised the question whether integration is still the best way of reorganising mental health care.

DATA SOURCES

Literature, data books, patients and professionals, the advice of the Dutch Commission for Mental Health Care, and policy papers.

CASE DESCRIPTION

Despite its organisational and patient-centred integration, the problems in the Dutch mental health care system have not diminished: long waiting lists, insufficient fine tuning of care, public order problems with chronic psychiatric patients, etc. These problems are related to a sharp rise in the number of mental health care registrations in contrast with a decrease of registered patients in first-level services. This indicates that care for people with mental health problems has become solely a task for the mental health care services (monopolisation). At the same time, integrated institutions have developed in the direction of specialised medical care (homogenisation). Monopolisation and homogenisation together have put the integrated institutions into an impossible divided position.

CONCLUSIONS AND DISCUSSION

Integration of care within the institutions in the Netherlands has resulted in withdrawal of other care providers. These side-effects lead to a new discussion on the real nature and benefits of an integrated mental health care system. Integration requires also a broadly shared vision on good care for the various target groups. This would require a radicalisation of the distinction between care providers as well as a recognition of the different goals of mental health care.