Optimizing Urgent Care- The Role of Depression Screening Tools in Early Detection and Management

Abstract

Purpose: This quality improvement (QI) project aimed to assess the intent of healthcare providers adopting depression screening into practice by presenting an evidence-based module about depression and depression screening at the University of California San Diego Pacific Highlands Ranch Urgent Care (UCSD PHR: UC) Background: Depression is a significant public health issue in the United States (US) that affects millions of adults. In 2020, 18.4% of American adults were diagnosed with depression (CDC, 2023). Despite the prevalence of depression, numerous patients remain undiagnosed and untreated due to a lack of depression screening. The United States Preventive Service Task Force (USPSTF) recommends routine screening for depression in the adult population to improve early detection and treatment outcomes (USPSTF, 2023). There is an increasing trend of patients being referred to urgent care for immediate needs due to the long wait times for appointments for primary care services. Incorporating a depression screening tool for patients in an urgent care setting would improve early detection and management of depression. Methods: The methods included evaluating existing knowledge with a retrospective pre-post survey, presenting evidence-based educational materials about depression and depression screening tools, and determining the intent of adopting depression screening into routine practice with a survey. Results: Twelve participants (n=12) viewed the educational module and completed the retrospective pre-post survey; twenty participants were eligible. After viewing the educational module presentation, the results revealed a positive change in knowledge, attitudes, perceptions, and confidence. This shift indicated that incorporating depression screening into practice at UCSD PHR: UC was feasible. Conclusions: The QI project assessed the feasibility of integrating depression screening at UCSD PHR: UC using the framework of Ajzen’s Theory of Planned Behavior for change. Twelve participants were presented with an education module and a retrospective pre-post survey evaluating their knowledge, attitudes, perceptions, and norms toward depression and screening tools (PHQ-2 & PHQ-9). Despite barriers like training needs, providers showed growing support for early detection, reflecting strengthened intentions to adopt depression screening.