ProCare’s DCM program is a clinically proven way to provide better quality and more effective treatment for people suffering from depression.  The program is supported by a registered nurse, or care manager, who provides regular telephone contact with the participant.  The role of the care manager is to educate and assist the participant in their understanding of depression, provide regular screenings to monitor progress, and provide a conduit between their therapist and primary care physician if needed.  The program is telephonic, providing regular contact between the care manager and the participant.  These calls address adherence to medication, possible side effects, and offer coping skills that will help the patient self manage the condition.

The City has 6200 members who are eligible to participate in the program.  From this number, 385 members have been identified as possible participants, with 105 currently participating.  This represents a 27% participation rate, which is right in line with the industry standard of 20-30%.

ProCare utilizes ongoing evaluation to monitor the overall effectiveness of the program and return on investment for employer customers.  Evaluations are performed at baseline and every six months for two years using the following standardized, empirically validated instruments:

• PHQ-9 a nine-item depression symptom and severity tool that was created for diagnosing and treating depression in the primary care setting.
  
• Functional health and well being using the Short Form 36 (SF-36), a 36 question physical and mental health survey.

• Workplace productivity and absenteeism using the 10 question Work Limitations Questionnaire (WLQ-SF).
  

After six months in the program, significant improvements were realized for the City of Colorado Springs in the severity of depressive symptoms as well as improvements in physical and social functioning.  Also, employees reported increased productivity and less time away from work.   These results can be calculated directly into cost savings – based on the City’s average hourly wage, we have realized a savings of $3,136.00 per week based on reduced absenteeism and improved productivity.