Date of Conferral

5-26-2025

Date of Award

May 2025

Degree

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

School

Nursing

Advisor

Jill Sanko

Abstract

This doctoral project is a staff education initiative designed to address the lack of knowledge on how to use and interpret the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) tool. The practice problem highlights a knowledge gap, leading to the underutilization of the PHQ-9 tool for depression screening. This underutilization hinders timely diagnosis and effective management, presenting a significant challenge to achieving optimal patient outcomes. The project explores the question: Will implementing a staff education program on the use and interpretation of the PHQ-9 tool improve staff knowledge? The project was designed to enhance staff knowledge in utilizing and interpreting the PHQ-9 tool using an evidence-based approach that aligns with the clinic’s goal of safe, timely, and quality care. A comprehensive PHQ-9 training module, a self-efficacy survey and a knowledge assessment test were administered before and after the training modules to assess impact. Pre- and post-results for each tool were calculated and differences were compared. On the self-efficacy survey, improvements were found (the pre-training survey mean percentage score was 42.57%, and the post-training survey mean percentage score was 76.86%). The analysis demonstrated a 34.29% increase in staff self-efficacy in using the PHQ-9 tool. Changes in knowledge were also found (pre- mean = 55.71%; post- mean = 88.57%, mean difference = 32.86%). Findings support the impact of education on the use and interpretation of the PHQ-9 on knowledge and self-efficacy. Recommendations include sustaining the program and integrating PHQ-9 education into regular staff development. The project empowers nurses to deliver better mental health care and foster positive social change by addressing mental health disparities, promoting equity, and advancing inclusive practices.

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