Screening for Depression and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder in Patients With Burns

Abstract

Survivors of burn injuries are at an increased risk of developing depression and posttraumatic stress disorder. The purpose of this quality improvement project was to increase screening and referral rates for depression and posttraumatic stress disorder in patients following hospitalization of a burn injury. At the first follow-up clinic visit, the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 and the Primary Care posttraumatic stress disorder evidence-based standardized screening tools were implemented. An algorithm was developed and used for patient referrals based on screening tool scores. This project led to identifying more at-risk patients and increased referrals.