Depression Medication Algorithm - an Evidence-based Antidepressant Management Program for Primary Care Practitioners

This simple, easy to use app assists primary care practitioners in managing clinical depression at the point of care.

It is a Clinical Decision Support Tool that does not force a decision but makes available best practice recommendations to the treating professionals. As the patient comes in for checkups, their progress is tracked using the PHQ-9, a commonly used depression assessment tool used in primary care.

After the treating professional evaluates depression using the PHQ-9, and determines the appropriate clinical decision step (week of treatment), they choose whether to use the recommended treatment or choose to adopt a different strategy.

Side effects are managed with recommended best dosing practices, and the patient's progress can be exported and charted for consultation.

Field tested for ease of use, it has been found user friendly among practicing physicians. It is usable by any healthcare professional with prescriptive authority.