Efficacy and Feasibility of a Tele-health Intervention for Acute Coronary Syndrome Patients with Depression: Results of the "MoodCare" Randomized Controlled Trial

Depression is common after a cardiac event, yet there remain few approaches to management that are both effective and scalable. We aimed to evaluate the 6-month efficacy and feasibility of a tele-health program (MoodCare) that integrates depression management into a cardiovascular disease risk reduction program for acute coronary syndrome patients with low mood. A two-arm, parallel, randomized design was used comprising 121 patients admitted to one of six hospitals for acute coronary syndrome. Significant treatment effects were observed for Patient Health Questionnaire 9 (PHQ9) depression (mean difference [change] = -1.8; p = 0.025; effect size: d = 0.36) for the overall sample, when compared with usual medical care. Results were more pronounced effects for those with a history of depression (mean difference [change] = -2.7; p = 0.043; effect size: d = 0.65). MoodCare was effective for improving depression in acute coronary syndrome patients, producing effect sizes exceeding those of some face-to-face psychotherapeutic interventions and pharmacotherapy. (Trial Registration Number: ACTRN1260900038623.).