Pilot study of enhanced social support with automated telephone monitoring after psychiatric hospitalization for depression

Background: Following discharge, patients hospitalized for depression are at high risk for poor retention in outpatient care and adverse outcomes. Aims: Pilot tests a post-hospital monitoring and enhanced support program for depression. Method: 48 patients at a Veterans Affairs Medical Center discharged following a depression-related inpatient stay received weekly visits or phone calls for 6 months from their choice of either a family member/friend (n = 19) or a certified peer support specialist (n = 29). Participants also completed weekly automated telephone monitoring calls assessing depressive symptoms and antidepressant medication adherence. Results: Over 90% of participants were more satisfied with their care due to the service. The mean change from baseline to 6 months in depression symptoms was −7.9 (p < 0.05) according to the Patient Health Questionnaire and −11.2 (p < 0.05) according to the Beck Depression Inventory-II for those supported by a family member/friend, whereas those supported by a peer specialist had mean changes of −3.5 (p < 0.05) and −1.7 (p > 0.10), respectively. Conclusions: Increased contact with a chosen support person coupled with automated telephone monitoring after psychiatric hospitalization is an acceptable service for patients with depression. Those who received the service, and particularly those supported by a family member/friend, experienced reductions in symptoms of depression.