The nurse's role in primary care antidepressant medication adherence.

Depression remains one of the most common conditions seen in primary care settings. Antidepressant medications (ADMs) are considered standard treatment for moderate to severe depression, and in some instances, for minor depression. When ADM adherence is low, patients are at risk for treatment failure and poor quality of life. Nurses may be key in ensuring the success of ADM therapy; however, little is known about the interventions nurses use or the consequent patient outcomes. The objectives of this article were to identify studies in which nurses managed ADM adherence and to collect evidence about the efficacy of these interventions. A systematic literature review of clinical trial studies was conducted, which specifically included the role of the nurse. Nurse interventions identified were: patient care management, medication monitoring, depression education, and referrals to specialty providers. Nurses use a range of interventions to manage ADM adherence. In most studies, these approaches, including collaborative care, were efficacious.