Dissertation
Patient Aftercare Following Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation
University of Iowa
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), University of Iowa
Spring 2025
Abstract
Background: Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is the leading cause of disability worldwide, affecting over 322 million people. Treatment-resistant depression (TRD) presents significant challenges, as many individuals fail to respond favorably to standard antidepressant medications. Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), specifically repetitive TMS (rTMS), has emerged as a promising non-invasive option for individuals with TRD. However, there is a lack of standardized aftercare protocols or clinical guidelines for those who have received treatment. This contributes to poorer patient outcomes, a rise in chronic disease burden, and the potential to overlook those who may benefit from retreatment. Purpose: This project aims to implement standardized aftercare protocols for patients who have completed rTMS, enhancing the monitoring of depressive symptoms and identifying the need for retreatment. Methods: Adult patients diagnosed with TRD who completed rTMS treatment at an outpatient psychiatric clinic were evaluated. The Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) was administered post-treatment, one-month, and three-month intervals for symptom assessments. Educational sessions were conducted for clinic staff to improve their knowledge and use of the PHQ-9 to enhance project support and confidence. Findings: Staff knowledge about the PHQ-9 increased post-education, although the changes were not statistically significant. 89% of patients involved in the study returned PHQ-9 surveys. Notably, no participants scored above 10 on the PHQ-9, indicating a lack of severe depressive symptoms requiring referral for aftercare. Discussion: After nearly 20 years of FDA approval, there continues to be a lack of standardized aftercare for those who have received rTMS. This project underscores the necessity for standardized aftercare following rTMS treatment. While immediate outcomes did not indicate a significant need for additional interventions, the findings highlight a gap in ongoing patient monitoring protocols in clinical practice. Future studies should explore longer follow-up periods and address the challenges of sustaining treatment adherence and the reemergence of symptoms.
Details
- Title: Subtitle
- Patient Aftercare Following Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation
- Creators
- Amanda J Jilovec - University of Iowa
- Contributors
- Daniel Wesemann (Chair) - University of Iowa
- Resource Type
- Dissertation
- Project Type
- Poster
- Degree Awarded
- Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), University of Iowa
- Degree in
- Psych-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
- Date degree season
- Spring 2025
- Publisher
- University of Iowa
- Number of pages
- 1 page
- Copyright
- Copyright 2025 Amanda J Jilovec
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- College of Nursing; Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects
- Record Identifier
- 9984841528102771
Metrics
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