A conceptual model for using action inquiry technologies to address disparities in depression

Abstract

Disparities in depression care remain an important problem in the United States. Action inquiry technologies may assist individuals and communities in their attempts to reduce or eliminate these disparities--and the multiple factors contributing to them--through a recurring cycle of planning, action, evaluation, and new actions based on reflections about what occurred during previous actions. This article will briefly review different action inquiry methods--specifically, participatory action research (PAR) in communities and action research in physicians' practices and offices of continuing medical education (CME). The authors develop a conceptual model in which those involved in providing, receiving, and improving depression care can use action inquiry strategies that are coordinated using the domains-based outcomes assessment model. This conceptual model may help CME planners collaborate with others to address disparities in depression care.