Graduation Year
2024
Degree Type
Open Access Capstone
Degree Name
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
Department
Baccalaureate and Graduate Nursing
Department Affiliation
Baccalaureate and Graduate Nursing
Department Affiliation
Baccalaureate and Graduate Nursing
Department Affiliation
Baccalaureate and Graduate Nursing
Abstract
Major Depressive Disorder is a significant health issue among adult patients in the United States, contributing to increased morbidity and mortality (National Alliance on Mental Illness, n.d.). The purpose of this project was to implement routine screenings in a small rural primary care clinic using the Patient Health Questionnaire-2 (PHQ-2) and PHQ-9 (as applicable) to identify patients with depressive symptoms and refer those with positive results to mental health specialists for further evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment. As depressive symptoms can emerge at any time, patients were screened at each clinic visit, resulting in some patients being screened more than once. The increase in screenings was less than the 80% threshold targeted, although a twoproportion z-test found a significant difference in the proportion of screenings following the quality improvement practice change. A depression screening algorithm was developed and provided as a reminder of evidence-based recommendations and as a data collection tool for the provider. This algorithm was not mandated for use but was used to identify the type of referral made. This algorithm did not replace clinical judgment by the provider. One patient met the criteria for referral to a mental health specialist and this patient accepted the referral. The PostVisit Survey revealed a majority of patients found the screening process to be efficient and felt that it improved their care. Limitations of this DNP quality improvement project include the small sample size of patients at the facility and a 30-day window for data collection pre- and post-implementation. Routinely screening patients for depression contributes to both the quality of care provided and safety of the patients. Continuing the screenings long-term may lead to further recognition of depressive symptoms, referral, and treatment.
Recommended Citation
Burchett, Charla, "Utilization of a Depression Screening Tool in Primary Care" (2024). Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects. 112.
https://encompass.eku.edu/dnpcapstones/112
