International journal of psychiatry in medicine
-
Int J Psychiatry Med · Jan 2000
Caring for depressed and suicidal older patients: a survey of physicians and nurse practitioners.
This study sought to describe patterns of mental health care for depressed and suicidal geriatric patients by primary care physicians (MDs) and nurse practitioners (NPs). ⋯ In terms of assessment of depression, preferred treatment approaches, the use of referral resources, and perceived barriers to mental health care, there appears to be a greater orientation towards a psychosocial approach among NPs. Primary care MDs and NPs often have different perspectives that in combination could enhance the mental health care of geriatric patients.