New PlatformQ Health program airs live on NeuroCareLive on March 13, 2019 at 1pm ET

PlatformQ Health is proud to announce a new video education program for patients with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), which will premiere live online on March 13, 2019 at 1pm ET on NeuroCareLive.com. This latest collaboration with the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA) follows a successful program last year that featured real patient testimonials, and an expert panel including clinicians and advocacy representatives.

“DBSA is committed to providing peer-based, wellness-oriented, and empowering resources where and when individuals need them,” explained Kevin Einbinder, VP of Communications and Programs for DBSA. “Printed and online resources and in-person peer-led support groups are critical resources DBSA provides for individuals living with mood disorders,” said Mr. Einbinder, “but understanding how effectively those resources provide valuable information for our DBSA peers to thrive throughout their lives can be challenging. This is a big reason why we were so pleased with last year’s PlatformQ Health program – we can actually see what participants learned from the program and build new education from there.”

2018 Program Insights & 2019 Program Implications

  • In 2018, learners posted 74 questions prior to the live program, which were ranked in importance by other learners 641 time. In 2019 there will be continued emphasis on shared decision making, specifically on choosing antidepressant medications for MDD.
  • In 2018, 34% of patients reported learning ‘a lot’ and 59% reported learning ‘some’ about treatments for MDD. A pharmacist has been added to the 2019 panel as an added resource in managing medication(s) for MDD.
  • 69% of patients reported that the program positively impacted their communication with healthcare professionals in 2018. In 2019, new doctor-patient communication tips will include how to bring up side effects, when to consider changing a treatment, and more.

“We have a deep and abiding commitment to improving the way mental health is treated – beyond these two programs, we have been proud to support DBSA’s Well Beyond Blue initiative,” added Kathryn Pucci, SVP of Education for PlatformQ Health. “I was pleased to attend in November, when patients and caregivers connected with researchers and regulators to share their stories while focusing on medical product development as part of a Patient-Focused Drug Development (PFDD) session that DBSA led. DBSA has made impressive strides forward for this community, and we’re so pleased to be able to collaborate and offer another helpful resource.”

In addition to this patient education premiere, a clinician-focused educational activity will be aired on PlatformQ Health’s clinician channel, PsychiatryCareLive.com, for clinicians treating patients with MDD. By educating both the patient and clinician audiences, PlatformQ Health and DBSA seek to promote a patient-centered approach to managing MDD. Both activities are supported by independent educational grants from Otsuka Pharmaceuticals, Takeda Pharmaceuticals U.S.A., Inc. and Alkermes Pharmaceuticals.

About the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance
The Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA) is the nation’s leading peer-focused mental health organization, whose mission is “to improve the lives of people living with mood disorders.” Through 500+ support groups and over 200 local chapters, DBSA reaches over four million individuals with support, educational resources and tools to help individuals living with mood disorders lead productive and fulfilling lives. Additionally, through their advocacy efforts they amplify peers’ voices on a variety of issues such as: discrimination and access to care.

Contact
Kevin Einbinder
Vice President, Communications and Chapter Relations
keinbinder(at)dbsalliance(dot)org
(312) 953-1716

About PlatformQ Health
PlatformQ Health is the leading provider of live, online medical education events, operating 17 therapeutically aligned learning channels dedicated to providing clinicians, patients, caregivers, advocates and administrators rigorous, outcomes-centric education aimed at improving patient care. The company’s unique education platform allows physicians and other healthcare professionals to connect online from anywhere, to learn about the latest treatment options, and engage in real-time discussion with scientific, research and patient care experts.