Date of Conferral

7-29-2026

Date of Award

July 2026

Degree

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

School

Nursing

Advisor

Susan Huehn

Abstract

Evidence-based practice was the basis for this quality improvement project, which involved developing and implementing a staff education program to enhance nurses' competency in administering, scoring, and interpreting behavioral health screening tools (PHQ-9 and GAD-7) for outpatient mental health services. Variability in competency amongst clinical staff to use these standardized screening tools for evaluating anxiety and depression was identified as a problem, as there was no structured, evidence-based education and competency validation process for clinical staff to use, which has the potential to decrease early identification of anxiety and depression among patients and impact clinical assessment and decision-making. The practice question was: What is the effect of evidence-based staff education on nurses' competency in the administration and interpretation of standardized behavioral health screening tools in an outpatient mental health program based on the evidence? To assist employees in improving their knowledge and skills in behavioral health screening, this was carried out through systematic education and competency validation. Analytical plans were guided by analyses of pre- and post-education knowledge tests, responses on a Likert scale of self-confidence, and a competency checklist for the return demonstration observation. The results of this project showed a significant effect of educational interventions on staff knowledge, confidence, and competency in behavioral health screening. The implications of nursing practice include standardizing screening procedures, improving clinical judgment, and enhancing patient safety. Positive social change entails earlier diagnosis and treatment of depression and anxiety, and fewer disparities in health outcomes.

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