Patient centredness and the outcome of primary care consultations with patients with depression in areas of high and low socioeconomic deprivation

Most patients with depression are managed in general practice. In deprived areas, depression is more common and poorer outcomes have been reported. To compare general practice consultations and early outcomes for patients with depression living in areas of high or low socioeconomic deprivation. Secondary data analysis of a prospective observational study involving 25 GPs and 356 consultations in deprived areas, and 20 GPs and 303 consultations in more affluent areas, with follow-up at 1 month. Validated measures were used to (a) objectively assess the patient centredness of consultations, and (b) record patient perceptions of GP empathy. PHQ-9 scores >10 (suggestive of caseness for moderate to severe depression) were significantly more common in deprived than in affluent areas (30.1% versus 18.5%, P