Improving Depression Remission Screening Compliance

Author

Crystal WingerterFollow

Date of Award

5-5-2023

Document Type

DNP Project

Project Team Faculty Member

Bernadette Sobczak, DNP, APN, CPNP-PC, PMHS

Project Team Faculty Member

Rebecca Luebbert, PhD, RN, PMHCNS-BC

Keywords

Depression, Depression Remission, PHQ-9, Depression Screening, Depression Screening Tool

Abstract

Depressive disorders are widespread in the United States and are diagnosed and treated in the primary care setting. In 2019, there were an estimated 19.4 million adults that had at least one major depressive episode. The purpose of this project was to improve follow up and depression remission assessment for patients with a diagnosis of depression at a metropolitan family care practice clinic. The Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ–9) was utilized for remission assessment. Front desk staff and providers were trained and granted access to the quality information system (QIS) in the electronic medical records (EMR) system which allowed easy identification of patients with depression due for depression remission screening. A gap report from May 2022 indicated a total of 15 patients due for remission screening and only 9 receiving it; a compliance rate of 60%. During implementation, a total of 27 patients were due for depression remission screening and of these patients 24 were screened ,thus improving the compliance percentage to 88%, an improvement of 28% from baseline. Training support staff on how to identify patients with depression due for remission screening though the QIS and having them distribute the PHQ-9 at appointment check in helped increase compliance. Making sure patients with depression have proper assessment and follow up is imperative due to the high levels of impairment in occupational, social, and physical functioning.

Keywords: depression remission screening, depression screening tools, depression screening compliance, depression remission screening in primary care, depression screening compliance in primary care

Recommended Citation

Wingerter, Crystal, "Improving Depression Remission Screening Compliance" (2023). Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects. 260.
https://spark.siue.edu/dnpprojects/260

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