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Managing depression in patients with vision impairment : a descriptive study of practitioners' beliefs and confidence
journal contribution
posted on 2011-09-01, 00:00 authored by G Rees, E Fenwick, J Keeffe, David MellorDavid Mellor, Ecosse LamoureuxAim: Depression is common in older adults with vision impairment yet it often remains unidentified and untreated.
Eye health professionals (EHPs) and rehabilitation workers (RWs) may be able to assist in detecting depression. This study identified EHPs’ and RWs’ beliefs about depression and confidence in working with patients with vision
impairment and depression.
Methods: A self-administered cross-sectional survey of 94 EHPs and RWs assessed beliefs about the symptoms and treatment for depression, and confidence in working with depressed people with vision impairment.
Results: Participants showed awareness of both the symptoms and treatment options for depression. However,
some important misconceptions were identified and many symptoms of depression were commonly attributed to
vision loss. Participants lacked confidence in communicating about depression with patients and their families.
Conclusions: Training programs are needed to enable EHPs and RWs to confidently identify depression and
discuss appropriate treatment and referral options with their patients.
Eye health professionals (EHPs) and rehabilitation workers (RWs) may be able to assist in detecting depression. This study identified EHPs’ and RWs’ beliefs about depression and confidence in working with patients with vision
impairment and depression.
Methods: A self-administered cross-sectional survey of 94 EHPs and RWs assessed beliefs about the symptoms and treatment for depression, and confidence in working with depressed people with vision impairment.
Results: Participants showed awareness of both the symptoms and treatment options for depression. However,
some important misconceptions were identified and many symptoms of depression were commonly attributed to
vision loss. Participants lacked confidence in communicating about depression with patients and their families.
Conclusions: Training programs are needed to enable EHPs and RWs to confidently identify depression and
discuss appropriate treatment and referral options with their patients.
History
Journal
Australasian journal on ageingVolume
30Issue
3Pagination
130 - 135Publisher
Wiley - Blackwell Publishing AsiaLocation
Richmond, Vic.Publisher DOI
ISSN
1440-6381eISSN
1741-6612Language
engPublication classification
C1 Refereed article in a scholarly journalCopyright notice
2010, Australasian Journal on AgeingUsage metrics
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