Improving Recognition and Treatment of Depression among Women using PHQ-9 during Office Visits

Depression can affect productivity and earnings among women, slow down the pace of active participation in social and family life, and increase health costs as well as distract attention from optimal health targets. Depression is the highest source of disability in NYC, with billions of dollars annually in related productivity losses. Although healthcare spending on depression affected patients is largely on hospital admissions, an estimated 40% of affected persons in New York do not get the adequate attention and care needed, with women most often affected by depression. This is an indication that the bedrock of preventive medicine for mental health, which is screening and treatment, is missing in our outpatient in the Bronx area of New York. In this evidence-based project, women visiting a gynecology clinic in the Bronx, New York, were screened for depression using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9. Education helped nurses and medical assistant to screen more patients at the outpatient clinic. Also, statistical results showed a significant improvement in screening and referral for depression among these women due to a two persons’ check - provider and nurses/medical assistants