Depression screenings: developing a model for use in a community pharmacy.
OBJECTIVE
To develop a depression screening model that can be replicated by other community pharmacists, conduct a depression screening in a community pharmacy, identify and appropriately refer patients with symptoms consistent with depression.


METHODS
Uncontrolled study.


METHODS
Four supermarkets in the Kansas City, Kans. and Mo" metropolitan area, on January 25, 2003.


METHODS
18 supermarket shoppers, 6 community pharmacists, and 4 psychiatric pharmacy specialists.


METHODS
Identification of symptoms consistent with major depressive disorder (MDD).


METHODS
The feasibility and effectiveness of developed depression screening; identify and appropriately refer patients with symptoms consistent with depression.


RESULTS
The depression screening model was tested as a pilot project to evaluate its feasibility and effectiveness. The mean (+/- SD) total score on the 10-item Harvard Department of Psychiatry/National Depression Screening Day Scale (HANDS) tool was 5.8 +/- 5.0. Overall, of 18 total participants, 14 were unlikely to have symptoms of MDD, 3 had symptoms consistent with MDD (including 1 reporting recent suicidal thinking), and 1 had symptoms strongly consistent with MDD. Patients followed the pharmacist's referral recommendations in all cases.


CONCLUSIONS
The HANDS tool is easily used in community pharmacy as a screening form. With training, community pharmacists are capable of performing screenings and referring patients.
Hare
Sarah Kerner
SK
Hen House Pharmacy, 13600 S. Blackbob Rd., Olathe, KS 66062, USA. sarah.hare@ballsfoods.com
Kraenow
Kimberly
K
D003157:Community Pharmacy Services / Q000458:organization & administration*; D003865:Major Depressive Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007615:Kansas; D008297:Male; D008403:Mass Screening / Q000379:methods*; D008875:Middle Aged; D008923:Missouri; D010595:Pharmacists; D010865:Pilot Projects; D024382:Professional Role; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D012017:Referral and Consultation