P211 Use of telemedicine for mental health screening during the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

Objectives: Persons with cystic fibrosis (CF) have higher rates of depression and anxiety compared to the general population. The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and the International Committee on Mental Health in Cystic Fibrosis (ICMH) recommend annual screening for depression and anxiety for people with CF. The COVID-19 pandemic and related social distancing has created challenges for administration of mental health screening by CF centres. The aim of this quality improvement project was to implement mental health screening during multidisciplinary telemedicine appointments for adult patients with CF during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: Patients were screened via telemedicine using the PHQ-9 and GAD-7 screening instruments between April and October 2020. Results: Use of telemedicine to conduct screening allowed for a majority of the clinic population (n = 93) to receive mental health screening during a time that health system operations were impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Screening did not increase clinic visit length and rates of depression and anxiety were found to be similar to 2019 clinic rates. [Table Presented] Conclusion: Mental health screening during a multidisciplinary telemedicine clinic is feasible and allows CF centres to maintain adherence to mental health screening and treatment guidelines.