Implementation and maintenance of quality improvement for treating depression in primary care.

Objective: Little is known about the long-term success of quality improvement efforts for the treatment of depression in primary care. This study assessed factors associated with the successful implementation, maintenance, and spread of such efforts.

Methods: The authors conducted an independent process evaluation of data from monthly progress reports and 18-month telephone interviews from multidisciplinary quality improvement teams in 17 diverse primary care organizations that participated in the Institute for Healthcare Improvement's Breakthrough Series for Depression from February 2000 through March 2001.

Experiencing interpersonal violence: perspectives of sexually active, substance-using women living in shelters and low-income housing.

As part of a larger study, the authors investigated experiences of recent violence among sexually active, substance-using women. Structured interviews were conducted with 172 women living in shelters and low-income housing, 41 of whom also completed an in-depth interview on their worst violent episode. Structured interviews indicated that rape and self-blame were more common among sheltered women.

Functional characteristics of commercial ambulatory electronic prescribing systems: a field study.

Objective: To compare the functional capabilities being offered by commercial ambulatory electronic prescribing systems with a set of expert panel recommendations.

Design: A descriptive field study of ten commercially available ambulatory electronic prescribing systems, each of which had established a significant market presence. Data were collected from vendors by telephone interview and at sites where the systems were functioning through direct observation of the systems and through personal interviews with prescribers and technical staff.