Date of Conferral
5-22-2025
Date of Award
May 2025
Degree
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
School
Nursing
Advisor
Robert Anders
Abstract
This Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) staff education project focused on improving the knowledge and confidence of psychiatric outpatient clinic staff in administering and interpreting the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), a critical tool for depression screening. Given the high prevalence of depression and disparities in mental health care, inconsistent PHQ-9 use can lead to delayed diagnoses and unequal access to treatment. Addressing this gap is both a clinical priority and a matter of social justice. I delivered a 2-hour educational program for 17 staff members to improve screening practices. The session included a PowerPoint presentation, role playing, and an interactive discussion, all designed to standardize PHQ-9 use and build staff confidence. The question guided the project: In a psychiatric outpatient clinic, how does a classroom-based educational program on the PHQ-9 affect nursing staff's knowledge and confidence compared to baseline levels? Pre- and post-intervention assessments included multiple-choice questions and a 5-point Likert confidence scale. Results showed strong improvement: The correct interpretation of PHQ-9 score ranges rose from 55.6% to 94.1%, and participants’ average confidence scores increased from 3.44 to 4.88 (p = .005). These findings demonstrate the value of focused training in improving knowledge and clinical consistency. By promoting accurate and equitable depression screening, this project strengthens nursing practice and supports health equity. The project highlights the need to integrate PHQ-9 education into staff onboarding and continuing education. Additionally, it affirms the role of nurses in advancing social justice by ensuring all patients receive timely, inclusive, evidence-based mental health care.
Recommended Citation
Nwaigwe, Chinwe Genevive, "Staff Educational Program on the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 Depression Screening Tool in a Psychiatric Outpatient Clinic" (2025). Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies. 17843.
https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations/17843
