Low Rates of Psychotherapy Referrals in Patients With Heart Failure With Depression

Depression is common among patients with heart failure (HF) and can impact patients’ outcomes. In this study, we evaluated the rates of psychotherapy referrals for patients with HF with depression. Using the National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey from 2008 to 2018, we examined visits for patients w...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of cardiac failure 2024-01, Vol.30 (1), p.100-103
Main Authors: LATIF, ZARA, VAUGHAN, KATHLEEN, MLADENOVIK, VIKTORIA, WARRAICH, HAIDER, MUKAMAL, KENNETH
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
cognitive behavioral therapy
Coronary Artery Disease
depression
Depression - epidemiology
Depression - psychology
Depression - therapy
Heart failure
Heart Failure - epidemiology
Heart Failure - therapy
Humans
psychotherapy
Psychotherapy - methods
Referral and Consultation
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Summary:Depression is common among patients with heart failure (HF) and can impact patients’ outcomes. In this study, we evaluated the rates of psychotherapy referrals for patients with HF with depression. Using the National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey from 2008 to 2018, we examined visits for patients with depression and concurrent HF or coronary artery disease. We estimated the likelihood of referral for psychotherapy using survey weights to provide nationally representative estimates. Among 1797 visits for patients with HF or coronary artery disease and depression, only 9.4% (95% confidence interval 7.2%–12.2%) were referred for psychotherapy, including mental health counseling and stress management. Rates of referral were lowest among patients with depression and HF at 7.5% (95% confidence interval 4.1%–13.2%). The odds of referral decreased over the years from 2008 to 2018 (odds ratio per additional year 0.87, 95% confidence interval 0.77–0.98, P = .022), with referral rates in 2008 of 12.8% compared with 4.8% in 2018. In this nationally representative study of ambulatory visits, patients with HF and depression were referred for psychotherapy in only 7.5% of visits and referral rates have decreased over the years. Magnifying the value of psychotherapy and increasing referral rates are essential steps to improve care for patients with HF with depression.
ISSN:1071-9164
1532-8414
1532-8414
DOI:10.1016/j.cardfail.2022.12.004