Implementation of a depression screening tool in a primary- urgent care

Purpose of Project: The purpose of this project was to identify depression in patients at a primary- urgent care setting through the implementation of the Patient Health Questionnaire -9 (PHQ-9), and to refer patients in need of behavioral health services. Methodology: This Quality Improvement project included 16 part-time clinicians working in a primary- urgent care center in northern New Jersey. They were invited to participate in an educational presentation, over a 2-week period, on the use of the PHQ-9 to screen for depression. The effectiveness of the training was measured with pre and post questionnaire surveys that evaluated their change in knowledge and attitude toward screening for depression. After all clinicians had completed the educational program, the implementation of the PHQ-9 began. Office staff provided the PHQ-9 to all adult patients 18 years of age and older as they were waiting to be seen by the healthcare provider. During the visit, the healthcare provider scored the PHQ-9 and discussed their concerns, if necessary, they referred the patients to behavioral health. A chart review was used to determine whether the PHQ-9 revealed more patients at risk for depression than prior to its use. Results: No significant change was found in the clinician’s knowledge or attitude towards depression after the educational presentation (n=8). Use of the PHQ-9 resulted in a significant increase in the number of patients identified as being at risk for depression. Implications: This practice change demonstrated the importance of screening patients for depression in a primary- urgent care site.D.N.P.Includes bibliographical reference