_edited.png)
PCMBC
PCMBC (Improving Outcomes of Depression Through Person-Centered Measurement-Based Care and Individualized Feedback) is a study investigating the benefits of patient-clinician communication strategies and feedback to optimize care and treatment outcomes. PCMBC is led by Principal Investigator Dr. Rudolf Uher at Nova Scotia Health.
Why is there a need for PCMBC?
Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and Persistent Depressive Disorder (PDD) are very common illnesses in Canada and globally. Research suggests that asking patients to complete questionnaires on their symptoms and sending feedback to their doctor, called measurement-based care, may improve depression outcomes. Research has also shown that individuals with depression who take an active part in shaping their own treatment, called person-centered care, may also have more positive outcomes. While a clinician may be most concerned with a patient's symptoms or remission, each individual with depression may have his or her own goals and expectations from treatment. Collaboratively setting patient-centered goals and tracking patient-centered outcomes aligns with the values of person-centered, measurement-based care and has shown to be a valid and reliable outcome measure in other settings, but has yet to be integrated in the context of depression research.
What is the aim of PCMBC?
We would like to study the combination of these two approaches, person-centered and measurement-based care, to see if it can improve communication between patients and their doctors and the treatment of depression.
What does participation involve?
Participants will be placed into one of two groups, which will either involve the patient and clinician receiving feedback forms, or not. The patient and clinician feedback forms include questions about depressive symptoms, quality of life, and personal goals for recovery. Interested participants will be pre-screened to ensure they are likely to be eligible before participating (see Who is eligible? below). Participation includes self-report questionnaires and visits with the study team 4 times over the course of one year. In-person visits will be held at the DCRP in Halifax (in the Abbie J Lane building of the QEII, 5909 Veterans' Memorial Lane).
Who is eligible?
This study is recruiting people ages 18 and above in Nova Scotia for whom depression is the primary current problem requiring treatment. Participants must have a family doctor or other circle of care clinician that can be involved in their participation (receive feedback to direct care) as well as access to a computer and the internet to participate. Participants will be screened to ensure eligibility is met before participation begins.
How do I get in touch?
If you are interested in participating in VMP or would like to find out more, you can get in touch with the DCRP via our contact form, by phone (902 473 5313) or email (depression@nshealth.ca). To chat with us, you can send us a message on Facebook Messenger.
Recruitment for PCMBC is currently on hold.
DCRP personnel for PCMBC
Steven Jackson, Research Assistant
Rudolf Uher, MD, PhD, Principal Investigator