Use of a Digitally Enabled App With Clinical Team Interface in the Management of Depression

A pre- and post- study design was utilized to assess the impact of implementing the Pathway Platform in the primary care setting. The Pathway Platform consists of a mobile app for patients and a care team interface that can be accessed through Epic (electronic medical record system). Eight primary care sites were identified to participate in the study. Care team members involved in depression management received education on evidence-based clinical practices for depression care, such as measurement-based care practices and shared- decision making. Clinics with behavioral resources also received additional education on behavioral health integration. Training on how to onboard patients to use the Pathway Platform and utilize electronic medical records to view data collected in the Pathway Platform was also provided. Study outcomes identified in this protocol are described among patients enrolled in the Pathway Platform (post-implementation cohort) as well as a similar group of patients from the same participating clinics prior to study implantation (pre-implantation cohort). Implementation success was evaluated by comparing study outcomes among these two cohorts. The primary outcome is PHQ-9 utilization over six months are compared between the pre- and post- implementation cohorts. Additional process measures compared include; shared-decision making, medication adjustments, referrals to behavioral health, primary care follow-up post hospitalizations, and depression remission and response. Data collected in the Pathway Platform is also used to explore pre-defined patient outcomes.