Depression Care Management: Can Employers Purchase Improved Outcomes?
Author Information
Author(s): Kathryn Rost, Donna Marshall, Benjamin Shearer, Allen J. Dietrich
Primary Institution: University of South Florida
Hypothesis
Can employers purchase depression care management products that improve work outcomes for their employees?
Conclusion
Employers face challenges in purchasing effective depression care management products that deliver evidence-based care at the recommended intensity and duration.
Supporting Evidence
- Five of 10 depression products incorporated four key components shown to improve work outcomes.
- Three of the four health plans that provided products with all four components were HMOs.
- Employers are often unaware that their current plans do not deliver high-quality care for employees with depression.
Takeaway
This study looked at how well different companies provide help for employees with depression. It found that many don't give the right kind of help that really works.
Methodology
The study involved interviews with 10 out of 14 vendors selling depression care management products to compare their offerings against key components shown to improve work outcomes.
Potential Biases
There is a risk of nonresponse bias as 4 vendors refused to participate, which may not represent the entire market.
Limitations
The study may overstate the effectiveness of the products based on stated components rather than actual implementation, and it did not assess costs or employee participation.
Participant Demographics
The study focused on vendors selling depression care management products, not on individual employee demographics.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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