|
|||||
|
|
Unmet care needs,care provision and patient satisfaction in patients with a late life depression: a cross-sectional study |
|
| Authors: | Frans Clignet Wim Houtjes Annemieke van Straten Pim Cuijpers Berno van Meijel |
| Institution: | 1. Department of Clinical-, Neuro- and Developmental Psychology, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, 1081 BT, Netherlands;2. Department of old age psychiatry, Altrecht specialists in Mental Health Care, Zeist, 3705 WH, Netherlands;3. GGZ-VS, Academy for Clinical Nurse Specialists in mental healthcare, Utrecht, 3511 GE, Netherlands;4. Department of Health &5. Self-management, Inholland University of Applied Sciences, Amsterdam, 1081 HV, Netherlands |
| Abstract: | Background: Research has shown that some 30% of total care needs in people with late-life depression (LLD) are unmet. It is not known to what extent patients actually don't receive any care for these needs or consider the care to be insufficient and their satisfaction with the provided care. Aim: The aim of this study is to obtain insight into the care provided in relation to the reported unmet care needs and satisfaction with the total care provided is examined. Method: A cross-sectional study of 99 people with LLD in an ambulatory setting. Results: In 67% of patients, at least one unmet need was ascertained. In most cases (80%) care was actually provided for those needs by professionals and/or informal caregivers. Patients were satisfied with the care delivered for 81% of the reported care needs. Satisfaction was lowest for social care needs (67%). For six specific care needs it was demonstrated that dissatisfied patients were significantly more depressed than satisfied patients. Conclusion: Even though patients might receive care for certain needs, this does not mean that their needs are met. A substantial proportion of patients with LDD feel that they need additional help for unmet needs. |
| Keywords: | Depression unmet needs satisfaction late life |