Abstract

Problem: Depression is not a normal part of aging and is the leading cause of disability in the older adult population. Depression symptoms in the older adult are loss of interest in activities, trouble concentrating, loneliness, trouble sleeping, appetite loss, and psychomotor slowing. Depression can range from mild to moderate to major depression. The purpose of this project is to assess the prevalence of depression in older adults in the hospital.

Intervention: Registered nurses on the older adult unit implemented a screening tool for depression on patients who were alert and oriented x4 for patients who were 65 years and older. Nurses screened patients for depression on the day after admission to the hospital. The score was a severity scale of depression of none, minimal, mild, moderate, or severe. The screening tool and its score was documented in the patient's chart.

Measures: The questions on the PHQ-9 included nine questions on how the patient had been feeling over the past two weeks. Screening hospital patients for depression using the PHQ-9 electronically will show the prevalence of depression in hospitalized patients on the unit.

Results: There was a small sample size of 51 patients for the pilot study. The average age of patients was 77 years old (SD=7). There was 78% of patients that did not have a documented diagnosis of depression. In the sample, 80% scored positive for depression using the PHQ-9.

Conclusion: Findings suggest that there was a prevalence of depression in older adults. Findings of undiagnosed depression showed screening for depression should be done in the hospital.

Taylor Harding

Author Details

Taylor Harding, BSN, RN

Sigma Membership

Theta Tau

Lead Author Affiliation

Nebraska Methodist College, Omaha, Nebraska, USA

Type

DNP Capstone Project

Format Type

Text-based Document

Study Design/Type

Quality Improvement

Research Approach

Quantitative Research

Keywords:

Depression, Older Adults, Screening Tools

Advisor

Kinney, Meg

Degree

DNP

Degree Grantor

Nebraska Methodist College

Degree Year

2022

Rights Holder

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Review Type

Faculty Approved: Degree-based Submission

Acquisition

Self-submission

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