Utilization of clinical practice guidelines and interprofessional collaboration in depression management in Swiss primary care: a cross-sectional survey study among primary care physicians
Abstract Objectives To (i) investigate the current state of depression management in Swiss primary care post-COVID-19, focusing on the utilization of guidelines or associated tools, (ii) explore potential associations with depression management, and (iii) evaluate availability of and communication w...
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| Language: | English |
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BMC
2025-07-01
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| Series: | BMC Primary Care |
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| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1186/s12875-025-02897-9 |
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| author | Karin Mayer Christoph Merlo Stefan Markun Stefan Neuner-Jehle Patrick E. Beeler |
| author_facet | Karin Mayer Christoph Merlo Stefan Markun Stefan Neuner-Jehle Patrick E. Beeler |
| author_sort | Karin Mayer |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Abstract Objectives To (i) investigate the current state of depression management in Swiss primary care post-COVID-19, focusing on the utilization of guidelines or associated tools, (ii) explore potential associations with depression management, and (iii) evaluate availability of and communication with psychiatrists and psychotherapists. Methods A previously developed self-report questionnaire, covering screening, diagnosis, management, and interprofessional collaboration, was distributed online, with a supplementary paper version, to 168 Swiss primary care physicians (PCPs) participating in the Swiss Sentinel Surveillance System. Multivariable logistic regressions explored associations. Results Of the 168 primary care physicians invited to participate, 116 completed the survey (response rate: 69%). Among these, 61% utilized guidelines for depression management, with statistically significant associations towards increased guideline utilization for PCPs with some psychiatric training as residents (odds ratio [OR] 4.13; 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.27, 16.02) and decreased utilization for the age group 60–81 (OR 0.29; 95% CI 0.09, 0.93). Guideline utilization was associated with perceived competency in prescribing antidepressants (OR 3.51; 95% CI 1.21, 11.08). The majority reported difficulties in organizing therapy with mental health specialists and rarely received feedback after patient referrals. Conclusion While the utilization of guidelines among participants was inconsistent, over 60% indicated using either guidelines, tools, or both. The study highlights systemic issues in interprofessional collaboration between PCPs and mental health specialists that require attention. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-c5b010f4b7a34d64b8a7b95e9b4780c1 |
| institution | Kabale University |
| issn | 2731-4553 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-07-01 |
| publisher | BMC |
| record_format | Article |
| series | BMC Primary Care |
| spelling | doaj-art-c5b010f4b7a34d64b8a7b95e9b4780c12025-08-20T03:37:38ZengBMCBMC Primary Care2731-45532025-07-0126111310.1186/s12875-025-02897-9Utilization of clinical practice guidelines and interprofessional collaboration in depression management in Swiss primary care: a cross-sectional survey study among primary care physiciansKarin Mayer0Christoph Merlo1Stefan Markun2Stefan Neuner-Jehle3Patrick E. Beeler4Center for Primary and Community Care, Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine, University of LucerneCenter for Primary and Community Care, Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine, University of LucerneInstitute of Primary Care, University Hospital Zurich, University of ZurichCenter for Primary and Community Care, Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine, University of LucerneCenter for Primary and Community Care, Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine, University of LucerneAbstract Objectives To (i) investigate the current state of depression management in Swiss primary care post-COVID-19, focusing on the utilization of guidelines or associated tools, (ii) explore potential associations with depression management, and (iii) evaluate availability of and communication with psychiatrists and psychotherapists. Methods A previously developed self-report questionnaire, covering screening, diagnosis, management, and interprofessional collaboration, was distributed online, with a supplementary paper version, to 168 Swiss primary care physicians (PCPs) participating in the Swiss Sentinel Surveillance System. Multivariable logistic regressions explored associations. Results Of the 168 primary care physicians invited to participate, 116 completed the survey (response rate: 69%). Among these, 61% utilized guidelines for depression management, with statistically significant associations towards increased guideline utilization for PCPs with some psychiatric training as residents (odds ratio [OR] 4.13; 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.27, 16.02) and decreased utilization for the age group 60–81 (OR 0.29; 95% CI 0.09, 0.93). Guideline utilization was associated with perceived competency in prescribing antidepressants (OR 3.51; 95% CI 1.21, 11.08). The majority reported difficulties in organizing therapy with mental health specialists and rarely received feedback after patient referrals. Conclusion While the utilization of guidelines among participants was inconsistent, over 60% indicated using either guidelines, tools, or both. The study highlights systemic issues in interprofessional collaboration between PCPs and mental health specialists that require attention.https://doi.org/10.1186/s12875-025-02897-9Depressive Disorder/diagnosisDepressive Disorder/therapyAnxietyPrimary Health CarePractice Guidelines as TopicHealth Knowledge |
| spellingShingle | Karin Mayer Christoph Merlo Stefan Markun Stefan Neuner-Jehle Patrick E. Beeler Utilization of clinical practice guidelines and interprofessional collaboration in depression management in Swiss primary care: a cross-sectional survey study among primary care physicians BMC Primary Care Depressive Disorder/diagnosis Depressive Disorder/therapy Anxiety Primary Health Care Practice Guidelines as Topic Health Knowledge |
| title | Utilization of clinical practice guidelines and interprofessional collaboration in depression management in Swiss primary care: a cross-sectional survey study among primary care physicians |
| title_full | Utilization of clinical practice guidelines and interprofessional collaboration in depression management in Swiss primary care: a cross-sectional survey study among primary care physicians |
| title_fullStr | Utilization of clinical practice guidelines and interprofessional collaboration in depression management in Swiss primary care: a cross-sectional survey study among primary care physicians |
| title_full_unstemmed | Utilization of clinical practice guidelines and interprofessional collaboration in depression management in Swiss primary care: a cross-sectional survey study among primary care physicians |
| title_short | Utilization of clinical practice guidelines and interprofessional collaboration in depression management in Swiss primary care: a cross-sectional survey study among primary care physicians |
| title_sort | utilization of clinical practice guidelines and interprofessional collaboration in depression management in swiss primary care a cross sectional survey study among primary care physicians |
| topic | Depressive Disorder/diagnosis Depressive Disorder/therapy Anxiety Primary Health Care Practice Guidelines as Topic Health Knowledge |
| url | https://doi.org/10.1186/s12875-025-02897-9 |
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