D'Amico LN, Hanania H, Lee LT. Enhancing Provider Mental Health Screening in Primary Care: A Quality Improvement Project.
J Dr Nurs Pract 2023;
16:196-204. [PMID:
38049182 DOI:
10.1891/jdnp-2022-0042]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2023]
Abstract
Background: Depression and anxiety occur in 7.8% and 19.1% of the US population, respectively. About half of those patients are diagnosed in primary care. Objective: The purpose of this quality improvement project was to improve the screening and diagnosing of anxiety and/or depression among adult patients at a primary care clinic by implementing an evidence-based mental health screening interview technique. Methods: The team implemented a mental health screening interview technique that incorporates background, affect, trouble, handling, and empathy and motivational interviewing techniques in addition to self-report surveys. Pre- and post-intervention surveys were conducted to assess providers' perceptions of the new interview technique. ICD-10 code data were gathered to assess the effectiveness of the new mental health screening interview technique. Results: The number of documented diagnoses of single-episode major depressive disorder decreased by 18%, recurrent major depressive disorder increased by 34%, and anxiety disorders increased by 3%. There were more favorable provider perceptions of the new screening interview technique versus the traditional screening method. Conclusions: The results show an improvement in provider comfort and providers preferred the new mental health screening when using an evidence-based mental health screening interview technique. Implications for nursing: The results show the potential benefits of using a structured mental health interview with self-report screening tools when diagnosing anxiety and depression in primary care.
Collapse