Adolescent Depression Screening in the Primary Care Setting

Abstract

Background: Adolescent depression is a major health concern in the United States (US). Currently, the GLAD-PC guidelines recommend yearly depression screening for adolescents in the primary care setting. The primary care setting provides opportunities for healthcare providers to screen for adolescent depression. Purpose: The purpose of the Doctor of Nursing (DNP) quality improvement project was to increase primary healthcare providers’ knowledge of adolescent depression screening through a provider-focused evidence-based educational intervention. Methods: A pretest/posttest design was used to measure the effect of a 30-minute educational presentation on adolescent depression screening guidelines and knowledge of adolescent depression screening in the primary care setting. The pretest and posttest were delivered were analyzed via Google forms to assess provider knowledge pre-and post-intervention. Results: The data analysis of the pretest and posttest for this DNP project showed a minimal increase in provider knowledge of depression screening and guidelines. Although there were no significant statistical changes, participants found that they were more knowledgeable and comfortable about depression and discussing it with their patients. All participants agreed that it is the provider’s responsibility to screen, and screening should occur during well-child visits. Furthermore, providers found the educational presentation to be helpful and stated they gained insightful information to be used within their clinical setting. Conclusion: The results of this DNP project suggest that an evidence-based educational presentation on the current recommendations for depression screening of adolescents in the primary care setting can improve provider knowledge of adolescent depression and screening guidelines.