Non Drug Interventions For Depression - What The Family Doctor Can Do In A Routine Consultation

Abstract

LEARNING OUTCOMES By the end of the workshop, participants will be able to: 1. Discuss the evidence for NDIs for depression in primary care 2. Utilise the BATHE technique and Satir Iceberg model as a tool to understand and help patients who are affected by emotions. 3. Perform a few simple non-drug interventions which can help reduce suffering in patients experiencing psychological distress WORKSHOP DESCRIPTION This will be a 75-minute interactive workshop incorporating small group work, role play and case discussion. It is targeted for all family doctors delivering supportive care in the community. Participants will be introduced to the rationale behind and evidence for promoting non-drug interventions (NDIs) in the management of depression in primary care. Participants will explore various ways that NDIs can be incorporated into routine primary care consultations and learn about the background to some common NDI techniques. Participants will be introduced to two techniques for assessing patients experiencing psychological distress: (1) BATHE technique as a structured way to perform a psycho-social assessment and (2) Satir’s Personal Iceberg Model to explore change possibilities. The workshop will then focus on how to incorporate three evidence-based and easy-to-use NDI techniques including: (1) Psychoeducation, (2) Activity planning/ behavioural activation and (3) Relaxation techniques. Two newly developed WONCA guidelines on ‘GP Toolkit for Non-drug Interventions for Common Mental Health Disorders’ and ‘An Evidence-based First Consultation for Depression’ will be launched and disseminated during this session.