Long-term efficacy of a tele-health intervention for acute coronary syndrome patients with depression: 12-month results of the MoodCare randomized controlled trial

BackgroundDepression is common after a cardiac event; however it often remains untreated. Previously, we reported the efficacy and feasibility of a 6-month tele-health programme (MoodCare), which integrates depression management into a cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk reduction programme for Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS) patients with low mood. Here, we evaluate the long-term efficacy of the programme at 12-month follow-up.DesignA two-arm, parallel, randomized design to compare the long-term effects of ‘MoodCare’ (n = 61) to usual care (UC) (n = 60) at 12 months.Method121 ACS patients recruited from six hospitals in Victoria and Brisbane, Australia were randomized to a telephone-delivered cognitive behavioural therapy and risk-reduction programme or usual medical care. Mixed-model repeated measurements (MMRM) analysis was applied with results expressed as estimated marginal mean changes in depression and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) outcomes by group.ResultsAfter 12 months, treatment effects we...