Quality Statement 11: Education and Support - Health Quality Ontario (HQO)

Resources Quality Statements Advisory Committee About

11

Education and Support

People with major depression and their families and caregivers are offered education on major depression and information regarding community supports and crisis services.

Background

People with major depression and their family members and caregivers can benefit from education about the condition and information on services and supports available in their communities. Education aims to provide insight into the nature of major depression and the relevant signs and symptoms, as well as potential strategies for family members and caregivers to employ and help reduce the risk of relapse.

What This Quality Statement Means

For Patients

You and your family and caregivers should be offered information about your condition, community supports, and crisis services.

For Clinicians

Offer people with major depression and their families and caregivers education on the nature of depression and information on community supports and crisis services.

For Health Services

Ensure the availability of appropriate education and information for people with major depression and their families and caregivers.

Quality Indicators

Process Indicator

Percentage of people with major depression who, along with their families and caregivers, are offered education about major depression and information regarding community supports and crisis services

Denominator: total number of people with major depression
Numerator: number of people in the denominator who, along with their families and caregivers, are offered education about major depression and information regarding community supports and crisis services
Data source: local data collection

Definitions Used Within This Quality Statement

Family members and caregivers

These include members of the person’s family, natural supports, and caregivers who live with or are in close contact with the person with depression.

Education

This includes the following topics:

Signs and symptoms of depression
Treatment options and their side effects
Self-management strategies such as monitoring symptoms and suicide risk, participating in meaningful activity, eating well, practising sleep hygiene, performing physical activities, and reducing tobacco and alcohol use
Family self-care and resilience
Local resources for support
Risk of relapse, and early signs and symptoms of relapse

Evidence to Improve Care