Implementing Telemedicine-Based Collaborative Care for MDD in Contract CBOCs

Rationale and Objectives: Implementation of collaborative care for depression is the highest priority for Mental Health QUERI, and preparing for national rollout of collaborative care is a key component of the VHA's Mental Health Strategic Plan. In addition, both the Mental Health Task Force Report and the CARES Commission Report have prioritized the provision of mental health services in all CBOCs. Secretary Principi has repeatedly emphasized the importance of this recommendation. However, small Contract CBOCs present unique challenges to implementation of collaborative care because of their distinct organizational characteristics, long distances to parent VAMCs, and lack of onsite psychiatrists. The Telemedicine Enhanced Antidepressant Management (TEAM) study, successfully used telemedicine technologies to adapt the collaborative care model for small CBOCs lacking onsite psychiatrists. The purpose of the proposed RIPPLE study is to implement and evaluate this telemedicine-based collaborative care model in small Contract CBOCs. The goals and aims of the RIPPLE study are:

Goal 1 To adapt and apply implementation strategies developed for TIDES/RETIDES in order to deliver telemedicine-based collaborative care services in small contract CBOCs.

Goal 2: To evaluate the implementation of this evidence-based best-practice with respect to its clinical impact on the population of patients with MDD and the system of care. The corresponding specific aims are:

Specific Aim 1: Document and evaluate the process of implementing, refining, and sustaining telemedicine-based collaborative care at contract CBOCs.

Specific Aim 2: Estimate the clinical impact of telemedicine-based collaborative care at implementation sites relative to usual care at control sites.