The impact of supervision on internal medicine residents' attitudes and management of depression in primary care: a pilot study.

Objective: The authors examined the effect of supervision on internal medicine residents' attitudes toward and management of depression.

Method: Internal medicine residents completed a survey during preclinical conferences. The survey included a published, validated questionnaire, the Depression Attitude Questionnaire, and items developed by the researchers.

Results: Of residents in attendance on the day of survey administration, 94% (51/54) agreed to participate. The study sample contained 39% of the 139-member residency program. About half (49%) reported feeling uncomfortable managing depression. Perceived training adequacy was correlated with a greater feeling of ease managing depression. Most residents reported screening ≤20% of patients for depression, although 71% indicated they are more likely to screen if it were a priority for their supervisor. Fifty-eight percent indicated that supervisors' attitudes affect their own attitudes. However, significant correlations between supervisor and resident attitudes were not observed.

Conclusion: The results of this pilot study suggest that supervision can encourage screening and promote resident preparedness to manage depression.