The DIAMOND Program: Treatment for Patients with Depression in Primary Care

Depression has presented a difficult treatment challenge to the health care system. A number of collaborative care models have been tested to determine if patients with depression can be treated successfully in primary care clinics. The Institute for Clinical Systems Improvement (ICSI) launched its DIAMOND (Depression Improvement Across Minnesota, Offering a New Direction) model in 2008 to change how care for patients with depression was delivered and paid for in primary care. More than 12,000 patients were activated into the program through April 2013. Recent studies show differing results of this pioneering work. A National Institute of Mental Health funded study found no difference in outcomes between DIAMOND and non-DIAMOND patients. Mayo Clinic studies showed DIAMOND patients had better outcomes. ICSI is using lessons learned from these studies and other DIAMOND work to further integrate behavioral health and primary care.