Implementing and feasibility testing depression screening using the electronic medical record for patients with type 2 diabetes admitted to the hospital.

Letha M Joseph,Brian J Schneider,Jean Davison,Diane C Berry,Jack I Twersky,Ann Jessup

doi:10.1002/nop2.181

Abstract

AimIs it feasible to implement a programme to screen for depression in patients admitted to the hospital for diabetes complications and use the electronic medical record to notify providers of their patient's depression score and give suggestions for medication and counselling?DesignA feasibility study was conducted with patients hospitalized with diabetes and depression in the Durham Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, United States.MethodsPatients with type 2 diabetes were screened for depression. The healthcare provider was notified via the electronic medical record about the patients' depression scores. The provider discussed options for management of depression with the patient and initiated treatment.ResultsThe process of screening for depression at admission, notifying the provider by way of electronic medical record that the patient screened positive for depression with suggestions for medication and counseling was feasible and acceptable to providers and patients.

Highlights

Patients with diabetes experience a higher risk of developing de‐ pression (Hasan, Manmun, Clavarino, & Kairuz, 2015; Hsu et al, 2012)
It is import‐ ant to develop an efficient system for patients with diabetes to be screened on admission to the hospital, alert their healthcare provid‐ ers of their depression scores using the electronic medical record and provide providers with counselling and medication options they can discuss with their patients privately
This study addressed the feasibil‐ ity of depression screening in inpatient settings and the effect of depression treatment on depression, health‐related quality of life, diabetes self‐management, and healthcare use by adults with diabetes and depression

Summary

Introduction

Patients with diabetes experience a higher risk of developing de‐ pression (Hasan, Manmun, Clavarino, & Kairuz, 2015; Hsu et al, 2012). According to a multimorbidity disease cluster cost analysis in the Veterans Health Administration, diabetes with depression accounted for the highest healthcare expenditures compared with other multimorbid conditions (Egede et al, 2015). It is import‐ ant to develop an efficient system for patients with diabetes to be screened on admission to the hospital, alert their healthcare provid‐ ers of their depression scores using the electronic medical record and provide providers with counselling and medication options they can discuss with their patients privately. Data analysed from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System reported that nearly 45% of patients with diabetes had undiagnosed depression (Li et al, 2009)

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