CBH Practitioner Conection
Volume XXIII, 3rd Quarter

National Care Center Depression Preventive Health Program

CIGNA Behavioral Health’s (CBH) National Care Center, located in Eden Prairie, MN, reported results recently for its preventive health program for individuals over 18 years of age who experience first-time inpatient admissions for a new diagnosis of Major Depression. The program has been in operation for 3 years. When eligible individuals are identified, two educational packets are mailed to the individual, approximately 30 days apart. The first information packet supports post-discharge treatment and medication compliance. The second supports continuation of treatment and depression relapse prevention. A survey to assess the helpfulness of the program is enclosed in the second educational mailing. 

By providing information, tools, and resources, the program is a tertiary preventive health initiative having goals to:

• Increase treatment compliance and limit functional and emotional deterioration by assisting those in treatment for depression to understand their illness and to make good decisions about care.
• Provide information about how to stay well and reduce the risk of depression relapse.

2006 Program Findings:

In 2006 at the National Care Center, inpatient Major Depression admissions for first-time diagnosis in individuals over 18 years of age represented approximately 8% of the total Major Depression admissions in the calendar year. All eligible participants received the two educational mailings. 

Response rate for the survey of helpfulness was 9.68%. Half of responders were married parents and 70% were females. 25% were minority respondents. Ages ranged from 18 –54, and 63% were college educated.

92% of those responding to the survey indicated the information was helpful. The highest endorsement was received for two articles. One provides an understanding of what to expect in the treatment of depression, and the other offers concrete steps to take that may help to reduce depression relapse. In the mailings, participants are also directed to the CIGNA Behavioral Health Web site for additional information. While only 15% of individuals accessed the Web site, 60% of these individuals found these resources to be helpful. One improvement recommendation submitted by several respondents was the inclusion of available treatment practitioner lists with the mailed materials.

69% of individuals reported that the materials improved their treatment experience. 67% of individuals were satisfied with the progress made in treatment, and 100% judged their practitioners to be either knowledgeable and skillful or very knowledgeable and skillful providers of care. 78% indicated an ability to do more, and 98% of responders indicated that they felt better, now than 30 days ago.

Future Directions:

CBH is encouraged by the 2006 effectiveness findings. Although CBH cannot include a practitioner directory, with the educational mailings, as recommended by survey respondents, in 2007 efforts will be directed toward improving participant awareness of CBH’s online practitioner directory and the search and practitioner Personal Introduction features it contains.

Other Featured Articles:

INFORMING PARTICIPANT OF TREATMENT CHOICES

WORK/LIFE RESOURCES: ENHANCING THE EAP PARTICIPANT EXPERIENCE

TIPS FOR COMPLETING CMS1500 FORM

CARE ADVOCACY PROGRAM (CAP): OUTPATIENT REVIEW PROCESS

PLANNING FOR PARTICIPANT SAFETY – AN UPDATE

FACTS ABOUT RE-CREDENTIALING

RECOGNIZED FOR EXCELLENCE 

DEPRESSION SCREENING IN MEDICAL DISEASE MANAGEMENT

ADVANTAGES OF INTERACTIVE VOICE RESPONSE

ANNOUNCEMENTS

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