Nurse-led minimal intervention helps older patients with mood problems

Many individuals with chronic disorders experience mood problems, such as depression, which may adversely affect the course of their disorder. These problems often go untreated in primary care, even if they are recognized. Nurses may have a role here. We investigated the effect of a nurse-led minimal psychological intervention in older patients with diabetes mellitus type 2 and/or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The intervention had a positive effect on symptoms of anxiety and depression, quality of life, self-efficacy, functioning, social participation, and levels of HbA1c. Nurses are capable of performing such interventions, which are no more expensive than standard care. As a result, in a number of practices in south-east Limburg nurse practitioners are going to identify and help patients with chronic disorders who have problems with functioning in daily life.