Shared care effective for depression

This review suggested shared care, particularly stepped care, was effective for depression (improving response to treatment, achievement of remission or recovery) but did not provide evidence to support the introduction of shared care for treatment of patients with other chronic conditions. There was a tendency towards improved blood pressure management in the small number of studies on shared care for hypertension, chronic kidney disease and stroke. There was little or no effect on hospital admissions, service utilisation and patient health behaviours. Studies were of relatively short duration (3 months to 3 years, most lasting 12 months), and were based in 12 different countries. The review suggested shared care may have the potential to provide longer-term benefit at an earlier stage in the disease process by ensuring improved and appropriate prescribing.