A Patient Activation Approach to Implementing Depression Treatment in Cardiac Patients
A Theory-Informed, Brief Patient Activation and Motivational Interviewing Approach to Implementing Depression Treatment in Cardiac Patients: A Quality Improvement Initiative
Columbia University
200 participants
Mar 3, 2026
INTERVENTIONAL
Conditions
Summary
This study, which is being conducted as part of a Quality Improvement (QI) Initiative at Columbia University Irving Medical Center, will test whether delivering the iHeart DepCare tool increases real world reach and adoption of depression treatment among CHD patients. As part of the QI Initiative, Clinic Navigators will administer and record (in EPIC) depression screening in advance of primary care and cardiology appointments. Eligible patients with elevated depressive symptoms will be randomized to receive usual care vs. the iHeart DepCare tool in conjunction with brief motivational, technical and navigation support per patient preference. Aim 1: To test the effect of iHeart DepCare on depression treatment optimization (primary outcome) among coronary heart disease patients with elevated depressive symptoms. Aim 2: To explore the effect of iHeart DepCare on implementation outcomes, including provider referrals, among coronary heart disease patients with elevated depressive symptoms.
Eligibility
Inclusion Criteria5
- Over 18 years of age
- PHQ9 or PHQ8 score \>=8
- History of coronary heart disease per EHR search for ICD-9 codes of 410-414 and ICD-10 codes: I20, I21, I22, I23, I24, I25.
- Appointment with a primary care provider (PCP) or cardiologist in an integrated care setting in NYP/Columbia (e.g., does not include procedure or lab-only visits)
- Has a PCP at NYP/Columbia active on the NYP/Columbia EHR
Exclusion Criteria5
- Not English or Spanish speaking
- History of severe mental illness (bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, chronic/recurrent depression, history of suicide attempt or self-inflicted injuries)
- Dementia
- Had an integrated mental health visit in the last 3 months as indicated in the EHR
- Enrollment in the post-implementation period of IRB# AAAR9175
Interventions
The iHeart DepCare tool is an electronic patient activation and psychoeducation tool (available in English and Spanish) designed to bridge depression screening with treatment. The tool includes: 1) a description of depressive symptoms; 2) a checklist of behavioral risk factors; 3) an animation of a CVD patient going through the process of symptom recognition, help seeking, and treatment completion following a CVD event; 4) psychoeducation videos; 5) depression treatment selection support (adapted to include behavioral risk factor preferences); and 6) additional cardiac resources the patient can reference. Patients may receive brief motivational interviewing as well as technical/navigational support per patient preference to reinforce learning. Patient treatment preferences are sent via EPIC to the mental health and treating providers.
Locations(1)
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NCT07390331