Improving Depression Screening Protocol and Subsequent SBIRT Referrals

Rich, McLaine S

Item

Improving Depression Screening Protocol and Subsequent SBIRT Referrals

Rich, McLaine S

License

http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Abstract

As a federally qualified health center, Lamoille Health Family Medicine receives annual data evaluating their performance in a number of categories. They exceeded expectations in screening eligible patients for depression, yet did not see the same success in referrals following a positive screening. After discussing with nursing and physician staff it became clear that there were discrepancies regarding office workflow/specific responsibilities. Moreover, some physicians expressed that they were unsure exactly how to handle positive screening results. This flowsheet developed will alleviate confusion in who is responsible for each step of screening, and uses evidence based guidelines for when to refer to mental health counselors vs. other interventions.