One study does not prove effectiveness or cost / effectiveness of an electronic surveillance system for the prevention of depression and anxiety among seniors living in retirement homes specialist.
A randomized controlled trial of Bosmans and colleagues published in the International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry in 2013 tested the benefits of an electronic monitoring system with 93 people without depressive disorders, anxiety and cognitive living in specialized residential homes compared to 92 in common use. The intervention tested has a video surveillance system, more if necessary and gradually, an aid in the management of depression with a “coach” program, a consultation with a nurse doing the “point of life” finally a consultation with a general practitioner. After 10 months, the study does not show a profit on depression scores. The number of anxiety disorders has doubled in the intervention group unlike that of the control group remained stable. Statistically, no differences were obtained between groups on markers of anxiety, depression and quality of life. The study also analyzes the health care costs. The intervention group has a surplus of spending 838 euros but the difference between the two groups was not statistically significant. The authors conclude by stating that the test system does not provide proof of his interest from people who do not suffer from anxiety disorders or depression and who live in specialized residence.
The Study Rationale
Anxiety and depression are common disorders in older people living in a special, beyond the third of the residents. Prevent these problems by an electronic surveillance system detecting early signs of depression or anxiety accompanied by a program of therapeutic support can be a promising solution for both the medical aspects as economic aspects.
The Question
A video surveillance system designed to identify the signs of depression and anxiety associated with a gradual decrease therapeutic education program you he anxiety and depression disorders and costs of care for older people living in a special?
The Protocol
A randomized controlled trial published in the Dutch International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry in 2013 tested the benefits of an electronic monitoring system with 93 people without depressive disorders, anxiety and cognitive living in residential homes compared to 92 individuals not receiving this system. The intervention tested has a video surveillance system for at least a month, more if necessary and gradually, a program to assist in the management of depression with a “coach” (including information in GP) a consultation with a nurse doing the “point of life” (recommended consulting a general practitioner), and finally a consultation with a GP if the CES-D score higher than 16 or after the third consultation with a nurse .
Main Results
After 10 months, the study does not show a profit on depression scores. The number of anxiety disorders has doubled in the intervention group unlike that of the control group remained stable. Statistically, no differences were obtained between groups on markers of anxiety, depression and quality of life. The study also compares health care costs. The intervention group has a surplus of spending 838 euros but the difference between the two groups was not statistically significant. The authors conclude that the tested system does not provide proof of his interest from people who do not suffer from anxiety disorders or depression and who live in specialized residence.
What it means for Seniors
The CCTV system tested with seniors in specialty residency does not provide evidence of his medical or economic efficiency. Any innovative system should be subject to this kind of study is far from being the case again because of blurred jurisdiction between a consumer product and a product / device health.
What it means for Healthcare Professionals
The CCTV system tested with seniors in specialty residency does not provide evidence of effectiveness indicators of anxiety and depression, quality of life or economic. This system would even tend to increase the anxiety of their users.
What it means for Researchers
This non-pharmacological intervention study showed no benefit or cost effectiveness of the intervention tested. We must salute the honesty of authors to publish results that do not go in the direction of their assumptions.
What it means for Policymakers
The CCTV system tested with seniors in specialty residency does not provide evidence of his medical or economic efficiency. This system would even tend to increase the anxiety of their users. All such systems should be provided with studies of this quality not to lure users. Alas, it is far from the case today.
The reference
Bosmans JE, Dozeman E, van Marwijk HW, van Schaik DJ. Stek ML, Beekman AT van der Horst HE (2013). Cost-effectiveness of a stepped care programme to prevent depression and anxiety in residents in homes for the older people: a randomised controlled trial. International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, 10, 1-9.
To reference this Blog en Sante © article.
Ninot G (2014). Electronic home monitoring to prevent depression and anxiety for seniors. Blog en Sante, A11.
© Copyright 2014 Grégory Ninot. All rights reserved.