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Investigators:
Dr Barbara Murphy, Heart
Research Centre; Professor Fiona Judd, Royal Women's Hospital; Professor John
Humphreys, Monash University; Ms Deborah Ludeman, Heart Research Centre.
Patients
who become depressed after their cardiac illness generally have poorer outcomes
than others, with higher rates of premature death and further hospital
readmissions. However, almost no studies have explored the experiences and
needs of regional or rural cardiac patients who suffer from depression.
Aims
and methods
To find
out more, we recently began new research to explore the psychological impact of
acute cardiac events upon patients admitted to Bendigo Health and St John of
God Hospital, also in Bendigo. These hospitals serve the Loddon Mallee, the largest health region
in Victoria. After screening patients for depression in hospital, interviews
are taking place in the patients' homes within the first two months of their
discharge from hospital.
Follow-up
support
While standard
cardiac rehabilitation programs are available in the region, many patients fail
to attend. Findings of our past research show that some cardiac patients are
not comfortable with the group approach. Depressed patients, in particular, are
amongst those least likely to attend groups. Moreover, these programs are not
specifically designed to help patients manage their depression.
Significance
of project
Results
of this study will guide the development of new or modified programs,
introducing the necessary focus to make them more relevant to regional and
rural cardiac patients.
Depression
is a major issue not only for cardiac patients but for the wider rural
community. Indeed, Professor Humphreys has concluded that mental health
problems remain something of "a sleeping giant" in rural areas and are one of
the most significant health problems facing rural families.
Funding: Beyondblue
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