Empowering Nurses to Recognize Post-Stroke Depression in the African American Community

African Americans (AA) have the highest prevalence of stroke and death compared to other racial groups in the United States. Post-stroke depression (PSD) affects approximately 1/3 of all stroke patients and is underdiagnosed in the African American community. Aim: By using a mHealth mobile app and a Psychiatry provider list at discharge, PSD can be identified, and interventions initiated, thus decreasing the sequela of PSD in AA. Methods: Nurses were provided education on PSD, expressions of depression in African-Americans, cultural humility, implicit bias, and the importance of the nurse\u27s role in developing a therapeutic relationship. Results: Quantitative analysis revealed the mean score of the pre-education test was 56% and the post-education test was 95%. There was a 59% increase in recipient knowledge after education was provided compared to pre-education. Stroke nurse navigators provided quantitative data to measure PHQ2 at seven and 30-day follow-ups and whether the provider list and mHealth app were utilized. 100% of the post-implementation surveys demonstrated the use of the knowledge gained during the implementation and an increase in comfortability discussing PSD. Limitations: Stroke unpredictability, therapy needs, hospital discharge timing, small sample size, time limit of implementation, and no 30-day post-stroke follow-up data. Of the 31 patients discharged that received a seven-day follow-up call, only three were AA. Conclusion: With education nurses are empowered to recognize PSD and initiate intervention, reducing the sequela of PSD in the AA community