Phase 1 Study of Using Peers to Deliver Depression Care to Older Adults

Detailed Summary

Can peer mentors be integrated into depression care to older adults with mental health professional supervision? We will assess whether peer mentors who are lay persons who are in recovery from depression can provide depression care services to older adults with depression. Older adults who are 50 and older will be screened for depression in the clinic and community. Those who meet criteria will be paired with a peer mentor for 8 meetings. Peer mentors will audiorecord their meetings with the patient and the recordings will be analyzed to assess what kinds of communication and behaviors the peer mentors engage in and what among those communications may be associated with relieving depression. The peer mentor will be trained and supervised by a psychiatrist and they will form a team to provide the depression care to the older adult. The study aims to relieve depressive symptoms and engage older adults in care. Both older adults and peer mentors wil be interviewed after the study to assess the strengths and weaknesses of peer mentor delivery of depression care. A manual will be developed describing the process and procedures of the study.

Study Details

Timeline

Interventions