Description

What is PERSISTANCE ?

PERSISTANCE is a disease management program aimed at patients taking antidepressants for depression or generalized anxiety. Given the fact that our Quebec health system is fairly fragmented, it is important to provide patients with as much information as possible so that they can manage their treatment and consult their doctor as needed. PERSISTANCE is based on the ‘patient empowerment’ concept. PERSISTANCE does not replace the physician nor the pharmacist, but is complementary to the medical follow-up.

The program consists of three steps : :

Step 1:

• Telephone interviews with a nurse, each lasting approximately 30-60 minutes at enrollment, 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months.
  • The interviews are structured and address the employee’s attitudes, symptoms, medication adverse effects, productivity and well-being.

Step 2:

• Feedback letter to employee’s physician to inform him/her on how their patient is doing, and identify what information should be reinforced with their patient at their next visit. Physicians are informed of the employee’s participation shortly after their enrollment.

Step 3:

• Information modules on antidepressants and psychotherapy mailed to the patients.