Abstract

Comorbid depression is common among adults with diabetes and is associated with negative impacts on quality of life, health outcomes, and mortality rates. As of 2015, it was estimated that 415 million people were living with diabetes in the United States, and of those affected, 20 to 25 percent have some degree of depression. Evidence-based guidelines recommend routine depression screening. This appears to decrease negative health outcomes and may be a cost-effective way to reduce the risk of adverse outcomes. Despite recommendations, depression screening in patients with diabetes is not consistent. This is true for patients at the study clinic who were not being routinely screened for depression. To address this gap, we developed a depression screening protocol that incorporated a brief, validated depression screening tool into the patient's electronic health records. The protocol outlined the criteria for screening adult patients for depression using the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ). In this project, outcomes of implementation of the PHQ in the outpatient Endocrine clinic were evaluated. Included in this 4-week retrospective review were 54 patients who presented to the clinic for routine scheduled appointments. Of those, 40 patients (78%) were administered the PHQ and 14 (22%) were not screened. Results showed that screening in this clinic significantly improved, but rate of referrals was not impacted since none of the 40 screens resulted in a positive screen. This project addresses the healthcare needs of patients with diabetes and depression with emphasis on improving care, safety, and outcomes while reducing healthcare expenditures.

Karina Avechuco

Author Details

Karina Avechuco, DNP, MSN, RN, FNP-BC

Sigma Membership

Lambda Omicron

Lead Author Affiliation

Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, Arizona, USA

Type

DNP Capstone Project

Format Type

Text-based Document

Study Design/Type

Quality Improvement

Research Approach

Translational Research/Evidence-based Practice

Keywords:

Diabetes, Depression, Screening Tools

Advisor

Lindstrom-Mette, Ambur

Degree

DNP

Degree Grantor

Northern Arizona University

Degree Year

2019

Rights Holder

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Review Type

Faculty Approved: Degree-based Submission

Acquisition

Self-submission

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