Screening for Depression in Patients with Type Two Diabetes Mellitus

Abstract

The relationship between major depressive disorder and type two diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is well established in the literature. This DNP project sought to implement a depression screening tool called the World Health Organization (Five) Well-Being Index (WHO-5) at a rural, primary care clinic called Northwest Allied Physicians (NWAP) located in Marana, Arizona (AZ). NWAP is in Pima County, a County that has higher rates of T2DM compared to the state of Arizona, as well as the entire United States. Previously, NWAP were not screening patients who had T2DM for depression. Theoretical underpinnings of this project were governed by Bronfenbrenner’s ecological system’s theory. A literature review was conducted, and 13 articles were reviewed and synthesized. The target number of forms completed was set at 40, however, after three weeks of implementation 17 forms (n=17) were completed. Of the completed forms, two resulted in outcomes that significantly altered patient care. After the conclusion of the data collection period, various stakeholders determined that implementation of this quality improvement project would not occur.