Purpose: This project aims to implement a depression screening and referral program in the Pediatric Emergency Department (ED) for patients ages 12 to 17 seeking non-psychiatric related care. In addition, the project also provided education to healthcare providers and family members in the pediatric emergency department.
Design and Methods: A convenience sample of patients between the ages of 12 to 17 that presented to a pediatric emergency department for non-psychiatric related complaints were included into the project. Exclusions for the project included developmental delay, non-English speaking, or refusing to participate. The PHQ-2 and PHQ-9 were used as screening tools.
Results: All data analysis was conducted using JASP. The knowledge gained was measured by conducting a paired t-test of the pre and post-test results. The results of the paired t-test showed a significant improvement in provider and family member knowledge. Descriptive analysis was run for the screening and referral program noting the frequency of positive screens and referrals. 16 patients were screened for the project, of those, 3 patients screened positive and were referred for mental health evaluation. 4 patients scored low-risk but still had positive answers and were given education on depression.
Conclusions: Depressive disorders are prevalent among adolescents and can lead to significant long-term morbidity. Linking adolescents, who screen positive, to appropriate mental health care will improve outcomes through early intervention and treatment. The ED is uniquely positioned to capture high-risk adolescents, who cannot be identified in other settings.
Practice Implications: Adolescents presenting to the ED for non-psychiatric related complaints should be screened for depression.
Sustainability: To ensure sustainability of the project, policies need to be implemented in the ED. Mandatory screening for all patients, 12 – 17, presenting to the pediatric ED for non-psychiatric related complaints must be screened. The depression screening education must be part of the onboarding education for the new health care providers in the ED. Prior to getting privileges, the providers must complete a mandatory initial educational program on adolescent depression and screening. The depression screening education will also be part of the reappointment application.