"A brief multifaceted nurse-delivered intervention for comorbid major depressive disorder in outpatients with advanced and recurrent cancer: a pilot evaluation"

Major depressive disorder is common in patients with chronic medical conditions. This comorbid major depressive disorder magnifies patients' suffering, reduces their quality of life and adds burden on their carer and on the health service. It is also under recognised and inadequately treated. This study is part of a programme of research that aims to improve the management of comorbid depression in outpatients with advanced or recurrent cancer. Phase one, the development of an efficient method of screening for depression, is already underway. Phase two, is the development and initial evaluation of a new multifaceted oncology nurse delivered intervention. Phase three will be a formal multicentre randomised comparison of the effectiveness of the new intervention and usual care for patients identified as having major depression by routine screening.

The specific aims of phase two are: (a) to develop and pilot the multifaceted intervention; and (b) to prepare for phase three by determining the proportion of patients in the target population eligible for inclusion and the patient outcomes obtained by the multifaceted intervention and by usual care.

Publications to date:

Strong V, Waters R, Hibberd C, Murray G, Wall L, Walker J, McHugh G, Walker A, Sharpe M.  "Management of depression for people with cancer (SMaRT oncology 1): a randomised trial."  Lancet 2008; 372: 40-48

Sharpe M, Strong V, Allen K, Rush R, Maguire P, House A, Ramirez A, Cull A.  "Management of major depression in outpatients attending a cancer centre: a preliminary evaluation of a multicomponent cancer nurse-delivered intervention."  British Journal of Cancer (2004) 90, 310-313.

Sharpe M, Strong V, Allen K, Rush R, Postma K, Tulloh A, Maguire P, House A, Ramirez A, Cull A.  "Major depression in outpatients attending a regional cancer centre: screening and unmet treatment needs."   British Journal of Cancer (2004) 90, 314-320.

Further information may be obtained from:

Professor Michael Sharpe
Professor of Psychological Medicine

School of Molecular & Clinical Medicine
University of Edinburgh
Kennedy Tower
Royal Edinburgh Hospital
Edinburgh     EH10 5HF
UK