Date of Conferral

2-9-2026

Degree

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

School

Nursing

Advisor

Melissa Rouse

Abstract

Adolescent depression is a developing public health issue, especially in underprivileged areas where delayed diagnosis and treatment are caused by uneven screening procedures and inadequate provider training. By increasing provider and staff knowledge, confidence, and use of the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) for systematic teen depression screening, this staff education project filled a practice gap in a primary care clinic. Fifteen clinic staff members who provide adolescent care participated in a four-hour evidence-based educational intervention that was guided by the ADDIE instructional design approach. Fifteen clinic staff members who provide adolescent care participated in a four-hour evidence-based educational intervention that was guided by the ADDIE instructional design approach. In addition to measuring PHQ-9 screening and referral rates during two-week intervals prior to and following the intervention, pre- and post-education surveys were used to assess changes in knowledge and confidence. Knowledge scores rose from 60% to 95% after the instruction, and confidence in depression evaluation improved from 40% to 80%. Referral rates for patients with PHQ-9 scores of 10 or above improved from 15% to 65%, while screening rates among eligible teenagers rose from 45% to 70%. Workflow sustainability and uniform screening were enhanced by the use of electronic health record prompts. This experiment shows how focused staff education can improve early detection of adolescent depression, boost appropriate referrals, and encourage unbiased access to mental health care in primary care settings, all of which can lead to better clinical results and constructive social change.

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