Getting the question right: an example of loss of validity during transfer of a brief screening approach for depression in the elderly

Howe, A., Bath, P., Goudie, F., Lothian, K., McKee, K., Newton, P., Philp, I., Rowse, G., Seymour, J. and Sivakumar, V. (2000) Getting the question right: an example of loss of validity during transfer of a brief screening approach for depression in the elderly. International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, 15 (7). pp. 650-655. ISSN 1099-1166

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Abstract

Screening for depression in the elderly has been advocated to improve detection and management. This article summarises the trend towards briefer screening instruments, and the integration of mental health screening with other assessments. The study aimed to validate a single question depression screen which has previously shown adequate sensitivity and specificity in a new context: a multi-faceted assessment instrument used by nurse practitioners within a community sample of over 75 year olds. The GMS-AGECAT computerised interview assessment was used as a ‘gold standard’ to determine the accuracy of the depression question in this new setting. Three hundred and twenty-eight patients were screened by their own nurse practitioners, of whom 100 consenting patients underwent a further interview with a research assistant using the GMS-AGECAT. The prevalence of depression was 30%, the sensitivity of the question was 67%, and its specificity 60% (compared with 88% and 71% previously). Responses indicating disability and loneliness were more closely correlated with depression than the depression screen itself. Relevant factors may include: the derivation of the question, the effect of a different sample, altered reliability when used by multiple interviewers, differing patient expectations, and the wording and context of the question within the multi-faceted screening instrument. Depression screening questions need repeated validation when used in different contexts. Patient and staff expectations may influence how screening instruments are used in practice in a way that may also alter reliability. Further studies are needed to establish the causes of loss of validity when screening approaches are used in new settings.

Item Type:	Article
Faculty \ School:	Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences > Norwich Medical School
UEA Research Groups:	Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences > Research Groups > Health Services and Primary Care
Depositing User:	EPrints Services
Date Deposited:	25 Nov 2010 11:12
Last Modified:	28 Mar 2025 04:56
URI:	https://ueaeprints.uea.ac.uk/id/eprint/14628
DOI:	10.1002/1099-1166(200007)15:7<650::AID-GPS186>3.0.CO;2-X

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