Depression in primary health care: from evidence to policy

Objective: To consider the implications for mental health policy of a recent synthesis of the literature on the effectiveness of different service delivery models for depression in primary care. Methods: A discussion based on the results of several systematic reviews of primary care models for depression management. Primary care was defined broadly within a prevention, early-intervention, treatment and recovery/support framework, and incorporated both community and general practice settings. Results: There were promising effective models for depression interventions both in the broader community and in general practice settings. Conclusions: There is a need to support evidence-based models for depression care, including innovative new technologies for facilitating consumer self-management of depression. The ability of practitioner training and guideline implementation to improve consumer outcomes for depression is limited. Policies and incentives are required to facilitate the reorganisation of general practice and, in particular, the implementation of care management as well as enhanced care and guided self-help in these settings.