Original Articles
Depression Training for Nurses: Evaluation of an Innovative Program

Research in Gerontological Nursing  Vol. 3 No. 3 July 2010

By Marianne Smith, PhD, RN; Kristin M. Johnson, BA; Linda L. Seydel, MS, LNHA; Kathleen C. Buckwalter, PhD, RN, FAAN

ABSTRACT

This article describes evaluation results related to a CD-based depression training program that incorporates the collaborative care principles of the Improving Mood—Providing Access to Collaborative Treatment (IMPACT) model of care. The four-part training program used workplace exercises and case-based learning to change daily care practices as part of the training. The relevance and application of depression assessment, treatment, care planning, communication, and referral methods were addressed using a mixed-methods evaluation that accompanied the dissemination of 513 training packets statewide. Evaluations were returned by 250 participants. Items related to the extent to which training changed care practices (n = 19) and outcomes of care for older adults (n = 13) consistently received high scores. Responses to open-ended questions resulted in positive comments related to assessment, monitoring, communication, and interventions such as scheduling pleasant activities. Results indicate the training program may positively influence nursing practice and collaboration with interdisciplinary providers.

ABOUT THE AUTHORS

Dr. Smith is Assistant Professor, and Dr. Buckwalter is Sally Mathis Hartwig Professor of Gerontological Nursing Research, and Director, John A. Hartford Center of Geriatric Nursing Excellence, The University of Iowa College of Nursing, Ms. Johnson is Associate Editor, and Ms. Seydel is Administrator, Programs in Geriatric Education, Iowa Geriatric Education Center, Division of General Internal Medicine, The University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, Iowa.

The authors disclose that they have no significant financial interests in any product or class of products discussed directly or indirectly in this activity. Funding for this project was provided by The Wellmark Foundation of Iowa.

The authors thank The Wellmark Foundation of Iowa for its generous support of this training project and their program officer, Cheryl Clark, for her continuous support and assistance during the project. The authors also thank Jurgen Unutzer, Diane Powers, and others at the IMPACT Coordinating Center for allowing them to include IMPACT information throughout the depression training product. In addition, the authors thank Pam Rockafellow for her assistance in compiling evaluation results and Toni Tripp-Reimer, PhD, RN, FAAN, for her advice and assistance with qualitative analyses.

Address correspondence to Marianne Smith, PhD, RN, Assistant Professor, The University of Iowa College of Nursing, 50 Newton Road, Iowa City, IA 52242; e-mail: marianne-smith@uiowa.edu.

Received: October 20, 2009; Accepted: March 22, 2010; Posted: June 30, 2010

doi:10.3928/19404921-20100527-99