Date of Conferral
1-27-2025
Degree
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
School
Nursing
Advisor
Corinne Wheeler
Abstract
Depression is a common but serious mood disorder and healthcare professionals need to include depression screening during routine health visits. The gap in practice at a primary care clinic was the lack of routine screening and the lack of knowledge of the medical assistant staff in conducting and documenting depression screening. The purpose of this project was to develop, implement, and evaluate an education program on depression screening and appropriate documentation in the patient’s electronic medical record (EMR). The practice-focused question centered on whether healthcare staff demonstrated increased knowledge of depression screening and how to appropriately document in the patient’s electronic medical record (EMR). Six medical assistants in an internal medicine practice voluntarily participated in the education program. Data from the pre-test and post-test questionnaires were analyzed using the normalized learning gain of averages. The mean score from the pre-education surveys (M = 9.2) increased to a post-education mean score of (M = 15.0) resulting in a 100% learning gain from the education provided. These findings indicate that providing education can increase staff knowledge on depression screening and how to appropriately document in the EMR. This project aimed to create positive social change and increase equality and inclusion by promoting a change in practice for better patient outcomes for all. An improved depression screening and improved mental health care for all regardless of diversity or culture contributes to social justice and equitable care for all. Recommendations from this project include providing ongoing education and auditing EMRs to assess a change in practice.
Recommended Citation
Rowell, Heather Apling, "Depression Screening" (2025). Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies. 16981.
https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations/16981
