eHealth in the Management of Depressive Episodes in Catalonia's Primary Care From 2017 to 2022: Retrospective Observational Study.
Aïna Fuster-CasanovasQueralt Miró CatalinaJosep Vidal-AlaballAnna Escalé-BesaCarme CarriónPublished in: JMIR mental health (2024)
The prevalence of depression in Catalonia has significantly increased in the last 6 years, likely influenced by the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite ongoing digital transformation since 2011, eHealth usage remained limited as of 2017. During the lockdown period, eHealth accounted for nearly half of all health care consultations, representing a quarter of consultations by 2022. In the immediate aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, emerging evidence suggests a significant role of eHealth in managing depression-related consultations, along with an apparent likelihood of patients being prescribed antidepressants and anxiolytics. Further research is needed to understand the long-term impact of eHealth on diagnostic practices and medication use.
Keyphrases
- primary care
- healthcare
- general practice
- end stage renal disease
- depressive symptoms
- ejection fraction
- newly diagnosed
- chronic kidney disease
- major depressive disorder
- risk factors
- sleep quality
- peritoneal dialysis
- prognostic factors
- bipolar disorder
- computed tomography
- health insurance
- physical activity
- diffusion weighted imaging