Screening and case-finding instruments for depression: a meta-analysis.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Screening and case-finding has been proposed as a simple, quick and cheap method to improve the quality of care for depression. We sought to establish the effectiveness of screening in improving the recognition of depression, the management of depression and the outcomes of patients with depression.

Methods

We performed a Cochrane systematic review of randomized controlled trials conducted in nonmental health settings that included case-finding or screening instruments for depression. We conducted a meta-analysis and explored heterogeneity using meta-regression techniques.

Results

Sixteen studies with 7576 patients met our inclusion criteria. We found that the use of screening or case-finding instruments were associated with a modest increase in the recogni

SUBMITTER: Gilbody S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2276549 | biostudies-literature | 2008 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature