Uptake of Web-Based Clinical Resources from the MacArthur Initiative on Depression and Primary Care

This study assessed the usability and desired enhancements for the MacArthur Foundation’s Depression and Primary Care (MDPC) Web site to determine if resources for integrated depression care that are disseminated through the Web site are incorporated into routine clinical care. Since its launch in 2003, more than 20,000 users registered as members of the MDPC website to read and download depression care resources. Subjects were randomly selected from MDPC Web site users who had previously downloaded the depression toolkit. Web-based survey, which was administered anonymously, included the following domains: (1) socio-demographic data, (2) confidence in managing depression (3) Web site content and design features, (4) desired enhancements to Web site and content, (5) use of resources downloaded from the Web site, and (6) importance of depression care resources. Of the 3,478 randomly selected participants, 666 (19.1%) responded. Web site content was rated “good” or “excellent” for screening and diagnosis (84.3%), treatment (69.8%), patient education (66.2%), and care management (66.9%). The Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) was rated “very useful” by 68.3%; 47.1% reported using it in at least 25% of encounters with patients who are depressed. PHQ-9 use was significantly associated with higher self-confidence in managing depression (P = 0.05). Evidence-based resources for depression care can be disseminated effectively through a dedicated Web site and may help clinicians incorporate effective care models into routine practice.