Document Type

Dissertation

Degree

Doctor of Nursing Practice

Major

Nursing

Date of Defense

7-15-2025

Graduate Advisor

Elizabeth Segura

Co-Advisor

Lisa Sitler

Committee

Lisa Carlson

Abstract

Routinely screening oncology patients for depression is recommended due to the higher rates of depression in this population as well as the negative impact of untreated depression. The goal of this QI project is to implement a standard depression screening protocol for patients admitted to this hospital, where there is currently no standard screening protocol. There were 110 patients included in this study, and 67 (60.91%) of patients received a PHQ-9 screening. Of the patients who completed the PHQ-9, 21 (19.09%) had a positive screening, which was a score of seven or higher. While there were high rates of provider notification (n = 18, 85.71%) and moderate rates of social work notification (n = 12, 59.09%) when patients screened positive, rates of treatment initiated were lower (n = 6, 27.27%). Having the EMR prompt nurses to perform PHQ-9 screenings and prompt providers when patients have a positive screening may increase the rate of patient treatment. Improving access to mental health treatment for oncology patients is important for the health of this population, and this project represents an important step in the right direction.

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