Abstract

Objective: to identify care management program for late-life depression in a general practice of Thailand.

Material and methods:Health care professionals in Thailand who work with older people experiencing depression were identified and then examined documentation of clinical guidelines for late-life depression of Thailand including summarizing the data was the next step. Critical literature review and critical analysis of current practice in relation to evidence based care management programs for depression in the elderly were identified in the research literatures and then reflective practice to achieve understanding of reflective practice by dissemination to colleagues. Finally, the project outcomes have been given feedback from dissemination.

Results:Health care professionals in Thailand who work with older people experiencing depression are normally treating and caring with knowledge from training and their experience. Clinical guidelines of depression disorder for general age have been developed but the guidelines specific for the elderly are still lacking development in Thailand. There are not too much clinical guidelines of depression disorder specific for older people. The process of care management for depression disorder should commence at screening and diagnosis as soon as possible in hospital. Then treatment and monitoring of depression symptoms are the next step including health education, referral to specialist in the case of complications, collaborative care and discharge plans. 

Conclusion and suggestion: This project has provided an opportunity to identify evidence-based practice guidelines for health professionals working in a mental health unit in a general hospital in Thailand. Guidelines for care management of older people who experience from depression disorder should be developed in general practices in Thailand because the elderly conditions are different from general age.  

Key words:care management program, late-life depression, a general practice of Thailand.