The aim of this study was to determine whether screening followed by brief PSC provided by primary care doctors could improve the quality of life of elderly patients with unrecognized psychological problems in primary care. The following hypotheses were tested: 1. Elderly patients screened positive of psychological problems had poorer health-related quality of life (HRQOL) than those who were screened negative. 2. Primary care doctors could be trained to provide brief PST. 3. Brief PST by a trained primary care doctor could improve the HRQOL of the elderly who were screened positive for psychological problems.
Design \& methods: A prospective single-blind randomised controlled trial (RCT) on 299 patients aged 60 or above without any known psychological diseases but screened positive for psychological problems by the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Subjects were randomised to problem-solving (PST) or video-viewing (placebo). All subjects continued with their usual care and were followed up by telephone at 6, 12, 26 and 52 weeks.Changes in SF-36 HRQOL scores, HADS scores and monthly consultation rates at 6, 12, 26 and 52 weeks within groups and between groups.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
SINGLE
Enrollment
299
Three sessions of problem-solving therapy at week 1, 3 and 5.
Three sessions of viewing health educational videos.
Two General Outpatient Clinics
Hong Kong, Hong Kong
Health-related quality of life scores
Time frame: 6, 12, 26 and 52 weeks
Hospital Anxiety & Depression Scale scores
Time frame: 6, 12, 26 and 52 weeks
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