FACE-PC: Family-Centered Care for Older Adults With Depression and Chronic Medical Conditions in Primary Care

Comorbid depression and multiple medical conditions in older adults are a serious public health problem. As an important facilitator of health-related activities, families are already involved in various aspects of self-management of chronic disease in older adults. Despite the benefits they provide, informal caregiving activities currently are organized outside the medical system, which potentially creates redundant or misaligned efforts.The purpose of the mentored research is to examine the feasibility and acceptability of the FACE-PC, a theory-driven, multi- component, technology-assisted interdisciplinary team-based care model that systematically involves family in chronic disease management. It aims to optimize the patient and family's collective ability to self-manage chronic disease.

Inclusion criteria

for Patient:

• 60 years of age or older
• Receives primary care
• PHQ-9 score ≥ 5
• Must have at least one medical condition actively managed at the study site.

Inclusion criteria

for Family:

• Age 18 or older
• Identified as family by the patient
• Has a minimum of twice weekly total of 4 hour face-to face contact with the patient
• Is willing and available to participate in the study;
• Has access to internet.

Exclusion criteria

for Patient:

• Inability to understand screening and assessment questions
• Montreal Cognitive Assessment Scores <18
• Known diagnosis of a severe chronic mental illness such as schizophrenia
• Meeting the criteria for bipolar disorder or schizophrenia in PRIME-MD
• Deemed to be a danger to self or others that may require treatment outside a primary care setting.

Exclusion criteria

for Family:

• Institutionalized at the time of study.