Screen and intervene: Depression's effect on CHF readmission

ndividuals with congestive heart failure (CHF) have a high incidence of depression among patients with chronic diseases. The New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class is closely related to co-morbid depression.1 Depression often leads to deterioration in physical well-being, resulting in an increased usage of healthcare resources.2 Fortunately, the identification and treatment of depression can reduce the risk of consequences associated with diagnosis, including decreased quality of life, loss of relationships, loss of self, reduction in satisfaction of life, and reduction in physical activity.3 For this reason, researchers conducted a study using depression screenings at a moderately sized tertiary medical center in the Rockford, Ill., metropolitan area to determine the influence of depression on hospital readmission rates in patients with CHF. The study resulted in recommendations for how nurse managers should educate their staff members on the proper administration of depression screenings and for policy makers on the amount of patient access to depression screenings. I Mental health Safety solutions