Implementation of a Depression Screening Tool for Adolescents in a Pediatric Practice

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this quality improvement (QI) project was to improve the knowledge,confidence, and practice intent of clinical staff for implementing the PHQ-9 tool for adolescent depression screening in the clinic. Background: There is a public health crisis for the rising rate of depression in the adolescent population and primary care providers play a vital role in the early identification of these conditions. It has been shown that mental health conditions can lead to morbidity, mortality, and social problems that can last into adulthood. Studies have pointed out that annually in the United States (US), primary care providers (PCPs) see more than 70% of adolescents, however, evidence suggests that depression and suicide risk assessments rarely occur. It is now recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics that in primary care settings, routine depression screenings for adolescents 12 to 18 occur. A reliable tool that can help to identify depression and mental health concerns in adolescent populations is the PHQ-9 screening tool. Methods: A quantitative design was included in the quality improvement (QI) project to evaluate the effectiveness of an educational intervention focused on depression screening in adolescents. At the implementation site, an evidence-based educational intervention was completed which will discuss current recommendations for screening for adolescent depression and strategies for implementing PHQ-9 in the primary care setting. Results were collected analyzed and shared with the implementation site. Results: A total of five members of the clinic staff participated in the in-person educational intervention and completed post-questionnaire. A high response rate (100%) was achieved as all five clinic staff members participated. After participating in educational intervention, most participants either “agree” or “strongly agree” with the statement that they achieved increased knowledge, confidence, and intent to use presented information in their future patient encounters. Conclusions: In-person educational intervention regarding the use of the PHQ-9 to screen depression in the adolescent population was an effective way to increase clinic staff’s knowledge, confidence, and practice intent to use learned information in day-to-day practices. Future key recommendations include updating educational content with the latest evidence-based knowledge and assessing implementation of the PHQ-9 screening tool.