Randomised controlled trial: Telephone-delivered collaborative care for post-CABG depression is more effective than usual care for improving mental-health-related quality of life

Rollman and colleagues' randomised control trial (RCT) concerns treatment of depression after coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. Increased mortality risk attributable to depression after CABG and myocardial infarction2 is a pressing reason to identify effective depression treatment in these patients.

The RCT involved an 8-month, bi-weekly nurse-led, telephone-delivered intervention for depression after 'on pump' or 'off pump' surgery across seven hospitals in Pennsylvania, USA. Patients were randomised to intervention (n=150) or usual care (n=152), and 151 non-depressed individuals served as a control group. The intervention, tailored to patient preference, consisted of psychoeducation, antidepressant pharmacotherapy, referral to a community mental health specialist (MHS), behavioural activation and pleasant activity scheduling, avoidance of tobacco, alcohol and unhealthy foods, a depression handbook and 'watchful waiting'.