Predicting success and self management in telephonic wellness coaching for depressed patients.

摘要

This study examined the effect of telephonic wellness coaching on self-management in depressed individuals. In this study, a sample of 267 participants between the ages of 18 and 55 completed the study. This included adherence to medications, gaps in care, and the PHQ-9 depression inquiry score, along with basic demographic information of age and gender. Data was examined using a binary regression method, which allows for the prediction of variables, which either solely or in combination can predict response. This study is based on the self-efficacy and social learning theory of Albert Bandura. Information was gathered on 2 groups: those who failed the telephonic coaching program and those who did not. The results showed that the combination of improved gaps in care, improved adherence to medication, and lower scores on the PHQ-9 depression inquiry. The use of this statistical technique combined to pinpoint the necessary aspects for successful self-management. These results are of great importance not only in the field of psychology and depression but also in the larger area of medicine, including specialties related to diabetes and hypertension. This method can bridge the gap between the research and the application of it to a clinical setting, where it is clearly shown that predictive methods can identify a depressed patient and allow for treatment by prediction of a combination of successful health care (Zanjani, Miller, Turian, Ross, & Oslin, "Effectiveness of Telephone-Based Referral Care Management: A Brief Intervention to Improve Psychiatric Treatment Engagement," 2008).