Date of Conferral
2-6-2025
Degree
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
School
Nursing
Advisor
Diane Whitehead
Abstract
This Doctor of Nursing Practice project implemented a staff education initiative to integrate mental health screenings into family practice settings, addressing inconsistent screening practices that contribute to unmet patient needs and the exacerbation of mental health conditions. Guided by the question of whether education on the GAD-7 screening tool improves staff knowledge and competence in identifying generalized anxiety disorder, the project introduced both the GAD-7 and PHQ-9 tools to seven health care providers. Preintervention assessments revealed a baseline knowledge level of 47.5% correct responses, which increased to 91% postintervention. The initiative not only enhanced provider competence and satisfaction but also fostered a culture of holistic, patient-centered care, ultimately contributing to improved patient outcomes and laying a foundation for addressing mental health disparities. Despite challenges including time constraints, staff turnover, and initial resistance, the project demonstrated the feasibility and impact of integrating mental health screenings into primary care, offering a replicable model for broader implementation in similar settings.
Recommended Citation
Achi, Dani, "Staff Education to Incorporate Mental Health Screenings in Family Practice" (2025). Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies. 17289.
https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations/17289
