A pilot randomized controlled trial of an outreach intervention to improve depression treatment initiation among racial and ethnic groups
Recommended Citation
Simiola V, Ridout KK, Erickson C, Kazan R, Nie S, Adolfson MP, Simon GE, Miller-Matero LR. A pilot randomized controlled trial of an outreach intervention to improve depression treatment initiation among racial and ethnic groups. Gen Hosp Psychiatry. 2026;100:277-283.
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
5-5-2026
Publication Title
General hospital psychiatry
Keywords
Adult, Female, Humans, Male, Middle Aged, Depression, Feasibility Studies, Motivational Interviewing, Patient Acceptance of Health Care, Pilot Projects, Primary Health Care, Hispanic or Latino, Racial Groups
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Even after recognition of depression in primary care, rates of treatment initiation remain low, particularly among some racial and ethnic groups. This pilot randomized controlled trial examined the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of a tailored outreach intervention to improve depression treatment initiation.
METHODS: Across two health systems, 309 adults from Asian, Native Hawaiian, Other Pacific Islander, Black or African American, and Hispanic backgrounds who received a new depression diagnosis in primary care but failed to initiate treatment within 30 days were randomized 1:1 to usual care or the outreach intervention. The intervention utilized patient portal messages or telephone contact based on depression severity, employing motivational interviewing techniques. The primary outcome was treatment initiation within 60-days post-randomization.
RESULTS: Nearly three quarters (72%) of intervention participants were successfully reached. The intervention group demonstrated significantly higher treatment initiation rates compared to usual care (24.2% vs. 5.9%, p < .001), representing a four-fold increase. Participants who were reached were more likely to initiate treatment than those not reached (31.9% vs. 4.5%, p < .001). Both groups showed significant reductions in PHQ-9 scores at follow-up.
CONCLUSIONS: This pilot trial demonstrates that a staged outreach intervention using patient portals and telephone contact is feasible and shows promise for improving depression treatment initiation in racial and ethnic groups historically less likely to initiate treatment.
Medical Subject Headings
Adult; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Depression; Feasibility Studies; Motivational Interviewing; Patient Acceptance of Health Care; Pilot Projects; Primary Health Care; Hispanic or Latino; Racial Groups
PubMed ID
42105638
Volume
100
First Page
277
Last Page
283
