Date of Conferral

2-18-2026

Degree

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

School

Nursing

Advisor

Dr. Anna Hubbard

Abstract

This Doctoral Project was an educational project designed to improve standardized depression screening processes among the clinical staff of a behavioral health agency. This project addressed the gap of irregular implementation of the Patient Health Questionnaire-2 (PHQ-2) and PHQ-9 at this facility. The clinical practice issue being addressed by this project was, "Among clinical workers conducting depression screening, how does having a staff education program influence knowledge, confidence, and screening accuracy of the PHQ-2 and PHQ-9. Instructional intervention was developed based on the (Analyze, Design, Develop, Implement, Evaluate (ADDIE) model of instructional design. The program was delivered through standardized in-person PowerPoint modules. Analysis strategies included pre- and post-test testing, self-confidence testing, and simulation-based testing. Data analysis was performed by applying descriptive statistics. Thirty (3) voluntary staff participated in the education. Findings illustrated knowledge scores had 30% improvement on average, with knowledge about the PHQ-2/PHQ-9 tool improved from 60% to 90% and understanding about referral process improved from 55% to 85%. The nursing practice implications are the enabling of standardized mental health screening, early intervention, and elimination of behavioral health care disparities. Social change for the better is enabled by the project through enabling diversity, equity, and inclusion through stigma reduction and equal access to mental health care.

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