Measuring outcomes in patients with depression or anxiety: an essential part of clinical practice

To the Editor: As a general practitioner I was gratified to see Dinnen's letter1 in which he questioned the "urgent need" for GPs to use more questionnaires for depression management. Reading the professorial reply,2 I despair. As more and more specific health promotions are introduced (eg, Asthma 3-Step Plans, Diabetic Care protocols, Health Assessments, Care Plans) we have to consider not just our patient's problems, but which forms to fill out or numbers to put down to fulfil Health Insurance Commission requirements or be correctly remunerated.