Investigating the Impact of Nurse-Led Mental Health Programs on Depression Among Older Adults
Posted: Dec 18, 2023
Abstract
The global population is aging at an unprecedented rate, with projections indicating that by 2050, nearly one in six people worldwide will be over age 65. This demographic shift brings with it significant public health challenges, particularly in the realm of mental health. Depression among older adults represents a critical yet often underrecognized health concern, with prevalence rates ranging from 10-15%. This research addresses a critical gap in the literature by systematically examining the impact of nurse-led mental health programs specifically designed for older adults with depressive symptoms. The novelty of this approach lies in its recognition of the unique position that nurses occupy within healthcare systems—as professionals who typically spend more time with patients, develop stronger therapeutic alliances, and integrate physical and mental health care in ways that specialists often cannot. Unlike previous studies that have examined nursing roles in mental health care generally, this investigation focuses specifically on structured, replicable programs led by registered nurses with specialized training in geriatric mental health. The theoretical foundation for this research draws from multiple disciplines, including nursing science, gerontology, and implementation science. We propose that nurse-led interventions may be particularly effective for older adults due to nurses' expertise in managing complex comorbidities, their skill in building therapeutic rapport across extended interactions, and their ability to contextualize mental health within broader health and social circumstances. This represents a significant departure from traditional mental health delivery models that often compartmentalize psychological care from general health services. Our primary research questions were: (1) To what extent do structured nurse-led mental health programs reduce depressive symptoms in adults aged 65 and older? (2) What specific mechanisms within nurse-patient interactions contribute to mental health improvement? (3) How do participant characteristics influence outcomes?
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