title: Development, implementation, and evaluation of a pharmacist-conducted screening program for depression.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To develop, implement, and evaluate a depression screening program performed by pharmacists in the community setting; to determine the ability of this screening to identify and refer patients with symptoms of depression; and to determine whether physician referral results in initiation or modification of treatment.
  
  
  METHODS
  Prospective study.
  
  
  METHODS
  32 locations of a large grocery chain pharmacy in the Cincinnati and Dayton, OH, area from February 8, 2010, to March 30, 2011.
  
  
  METHODS
  3,726 patients 18 years or older.
  
  
  METHODS
  Patients were screened for depression using the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ). Patients who screened positive on the two-item PHQ (PHQ-2) then were given the nine-item PHQ (PHQ-9). Patients who screened positive on the PHQ-9 were referred to their physician. Pharmacists followed up with these patients to determine the action that was taken following the screening.
  
  
  METHODS
  Number of patients with a positive PHQ-9, number of patients referred to their physician, and number of patients for whom treatment was initiated or modified as a result of screening.
  
  
  RESULTS
  3,726 patients were screened for depression by pharmacists during the study period. A total of 67 (1.8%) patients screened positive on the PHQ-2. Of the patients who completed the PHQ-9, approximately 25% met the criteria for consideration of diagnosis and were referred to their physician. Five patients presented with suicidal thoughts and were referred for urgent treatment. Approximately 60% of patients with a positive PHQ-9 had initiated or modified treatment at the time of follow-up.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  A screening program for depression was successfully developed and implemented in the community pharmacy setting. Using the PHQ, pharmacists were able to quickly identify undiagnosed patients with symptoms of depression. The majority of patients with a positive screening had initiated or modified treatment at the time of follow-up.
authors: James L. Winkle College of Pharmacy, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45236, USA. shelly.rosser@stores.kroger.com
authors: Shelly
authors: S
authors: Rosser
authors: Stacey
authors: S
authors: Frede
authors: Wayne F
authors: WF
authors: Conrad
authors: Pamela C
authors: PC
authors: Heaton
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003157:Community Pharmacy Services / Q000458:organization & administration*; D003863:Depression / Q000175:diagnosis*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008403:Mass Screening / Q000379:methods*; D008875:Middle Aged; D010595:Pharmacists / Q000458:organization & administration*; D024382:Professional Role; D016730:Program Development; D015397:Program Evaluation; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012017:Referral and Consultation / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D059020:Suicidal Ideation; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires