Disparities in outpatient antidepressant prescribing patterns and determinants of resource utilization at a tertiary care cancer center

摘要: Our objective was to assess the prevalence of use different classes antidepressants, prescribing patterns, and determinants exposure specific types antidepressants resource utilization at a comprehensive cancer center from 2001 2006. Data were collected institution's outpatient pharmacy database cross-referenced with electronic medical record system. included demographic characteristics, diagnosis, comorbidities, physician service, type number antidepressant prescriptions, utilization. Significant differences in usage patterns found analysis by gender ethnicity, women seeing psychiatrist more often than men (P = 0.001) Caucasians receiving selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) other ethnic groups 0.002). In terms utilization, had significantly hospital admissions < 0.0001) emergency room visits 0.004) women, whereas non-Caucasian clinic Caucasians. Further investigation non-Caucasians screening, evaluation, treatment depression is necessary confirm disparities evaluate their possible causes.