Cardiologists lack confidence on depression: survey
Recent graduates and female cardiologists are more likely to consider screening and treating the disorder
Few Australian cardiologists routinely screen patients for depression and most lack the confidence to treat the condition, a survey shows.
The poll of 524 cardiologists reveals only 29% say they “quite often” ask patients if they are feeling down or depressed, despite 2013 Heart Foundation guidance recommending health professionals screen for depression on diagnosis of coronary heart disease — with follow-up screening two-three months after a cardiac event and possibly even annually.
