Cardiologists lack confidence on depression: survey
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.