Treating Post-CABG Depression via Telephone Care Management

Depression after coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) is common and can worsen quality of life, function, and cardiac morbidity and mortality. Building on previous randomized controlled trials showing that medication and psychosocial treatments are effective for various cardiac populations with depression, researchers tested a collaborative care model that educated and activated patients and supported primary care physicians.

At seven Pittsburgh-area hospitals, 302 depression-screen–positive post-CABG patients (59% men) whose depression persisted at 2 weeks (Patient Health Questionnaire-9 score, >10) were randomized to collaborative care or usual care. Collaborative care included telephone calls by nurse care managers who described treatment …