Results of Patient Reported Outcome Measure (PROM), a BCBS program to encourage use of PHQ-9 tool for screening of patients, revealed 71% (2786) of patients were screened using this tool.  Of those screened 7% (147) had a depression score >9 and 91% (134) of them had interventions documented including PCP follow-up, PCP counseling at appointment, medication treatment or mental health referral.
 

At May PCP POD meetings a depression toolkit  was presented for discussion and feedback. We learned each practice has a different approach to managing and providing information to patients and their families. The new "open-access" service at some Lahey Behavioral Health locations (see listing below) allows patients to "walk-in" and get an appointment for counseling and/or medication management.  

The following is a summary of the discussions at POD meetings:

• A toolkit will be sent to all PCPs, NPs/PAs
• Toolkit will contain:
• PHQ-9, PHQ-A (for pediatric providers) Questionnaires for screening and re-assessment of patients.
• Lahey Primary Care Depression Algorithm
• A listing of Lahey Outpatient Behavioral Health and Center for Healthy Aging Service locations, hours and "open-access" information
• Antidepressant Medication Comparison reference
• Tool for Choosing and Switching Antidepressants
• Patient Education Materials including general handouts such as "What is depression" to more specific handouts, e.g."FAQs about antidepressants."
• Toolkit contents are provided as pdf for ability to download on desktops / smart phones.

If you would like additional depression toolkits provided to your practice please contact Liz Isaac at eisaac@nhs-healthlink.org (978 236 1767) or Carol Freedman cfreed@nhs-healthlink.org  (978 236 1774).