BACKGROUND: Structured and regular monitoring and/or case management support treatment continuity of patients with depression in primary care. Central tools are questionnaires with stratified operating instructions. Questions should be geared towards treatment relevance in primary care and identify clinical parameters in a reliable and valid manner and in due time. Stratified information transfer to the general practitioner should be objective to ensure patient-related communication in the practice team. METHOD: Development of a draft tool based on evidence-based guidelines, peer-reviewed pre-test, practice test among users. RESULT: The Depression Monitoring List (DeMoL) with integrated PHQ-D for interviews with depressive patients to be conducted by practice assistants assesses 1.)'clinical diagnosis' and 2.) 'patient adherence' and 3.) governs the information flow in the practice via a 'robot scheme'. Users (doctors and practice assistants) evaluated the tool as practicable and relevant for patient care in family practices. Experiences gained can also be used for the treatment of other chronic diseases.
