@article{ref1,
title="Depression Screening Implementation: Quality Improvement Project in a Primary Care Clinic for First Responders",
journal="Workplace health and safety",
year="2022",
author="Blake, Canaan",
volume="70",
number="12",
pages="543-550",
abstract="BACKGROUND: Depression in the U.S. population affects approximately 17.5 million people, with an approximate annual economic cost of US$326 billion. The overall objective of this quality improvement program was implementation of a standardized screening protocol using a validated screening instrument to identify depression in first responders in a primary care setting. <br><br>METHODS: This program applied the Knowledge-to-Action framework utilizing the 9-question Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) screening tool. The outcome measure was screening completion with a process measure of depression questionnaires provided to patients, and balance measures of time of visit and referral rate. In a pre-/postintervention project design, clinic staff were trained on depression screening. PHQ-9 questionnaires were placed in all exam rooms for patients and providers to discuss. Referrals were made to the staff psychologist or to medical providers based on evaluations. <br><br>FINDINGS: From pre- to postintervention, screening increased from less than 1% to a screening rate of 92%. Appointments for depression intervention increased to 50%, 44 patients for counseling and 12 for medical therapy. <br><br>CONCLUSIONS/APPLICATIONS TO PRACTICE: A standardized screening protocol using a validated self-assessment tool improved depression surveillance and increased referrals for treatment. A training program with an accompanying policy was designed to sustain this program and may serve as a model for other programs serving first responders.<p /><p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="2165-0799",
doi="10.1177/21650799221119147",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/21650799221119147"
}