IMPACT

In one of the largest treatment trials for depression to date, a team of researchers led by Dr. Jürgen Unützer followed 1,801 depressed, older adults from 18 diverse primary care clinics across the United States for two years. The 18 participating clinics were associated with eight health care organizations in Washington, California, Texas, Indiana and North Carolina. The clinics included several Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs), traditional fee-for-service clinics, an Independent Provider Association (IPA), an inner-city public health clinic and two Veteran's Administration clinics.

Half of the enrolled study participants received IMPACT care and the other half received the care normally available in their primary care clinic (including referral to specialty mental health care). The study examined the effects of the IMPACT intervention on depression, quality of life, physical functioning and other areas of physical and mental health.

Since the end of the trial, a number of organizations in the United States and abroad have adapted and implemented the IMPACT program with diverse patient populations.

This web site is intended as a source of information and materials designed to help clinicians and organizations implement IMPACT in a variety of settings.

http://impact-uw.org/