Integration of the 2017 ADA Depression Screening Guidelines in the Primary Care Setting

Abstract

Diabetics have a doubled risk of comorbid depression that can lead to worsening healthcare outcomes and increased mortality. The American Diabetes Association (ADA) released new depression screening guidelines in the 2017 Diabetes Care manual that provides standardized depression screening. The aim of this quality improvement project was to integrate the 2017 ADA depression screening guidelines using the PHQ-9 depression screening tool in the primary care clinic located in Southeastern, NC. Providers at the clinic received a formal education session by the project leader that a power point, a quick reference handout, an opportunity to practice charting the PHQ-9 depression screening tool in electronic health record, and additional time to ask questions. The Theory of Interpersonal Relations was used to guide the project leader with provider education. A two-month pre- & post-intervention retrospective audit evaluated provider compliance to the 2017 ADA depression screening guidelines. Provider compliance increased from 4% to 30% with use of the PHQ-9 tool increasing from 40% to 88.2%. The methods and tools used were effective in increasing provider compliance to the 2017 ADA depression screening guidelines. Early detection of depression in the diabetic population is essential for early treatment interventions to decrease the risk of worsening health care outcomes.