Abstract NS5: Outcomes of Nursing Led Post-Stroke Anxiety and Depression Screening

Abstract

Introduction: Post-stroke anxiety (PSA) is common, but underestimated and can be distressing during stroke recovery. Health systems may fail to provide screening and follow up for PSA. Methods: Stroke survivors between 10/2022-3/2023 received a phone call from an SCRN to assess anxiety and depression within 30-45 days of discharge using General Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7) and Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) respectively. Two call attempts were made. Based on the GAD-7, scores of 1-4 (minimal), 5 and 9 (mild), 10 to 14 (moderate), and 15 to 21 were classified as severe. The patients were referred to depression care management (DCM) or psychiatry based on the severity score. Data were analyzed using R package. Results: Total of 269 patients were identified: 111 (41%) completed the phone screening. The demographics and patient characteristics of patients are shown in table 1. The NIHSS of patient who did not complete the survey was higher 5(IQR 2,13) vs 3 (IQR 1,6). Most patients who completed the survey were discharged home 92(83%) (±home health). The severity of GAD-7 and PHQ9 score correlated moderately (Pearson’s r=0.69; P=0.002). Evaluation of dichotomized GAD-7 anxiety scores (minimal/mild vs moderate/severe) showed patients’ age and NIHSS are negatively correlated with GAD-7 score (r=-0.18; P=0.002 and r=-0.10 P=0.1). Conclusion: PSA and depression screening after discharge in stroke survivors helps with early identification and treatment, and potentially improving the quality of life. Anxiety and depression scores correlated positively and were higher in younger patients and those with low NIHSS.