Full Text Full Text (PDF) Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Citation Map Email this article to a Colleague Similar articles in this journal Similar articles in PubMed Alert me to new issues of the journal Add to My Articles & Searches Download to citation manager Citing Articles via Google Scholar Articles by Kirkcaldy, R. D. Articles by Tynes, L. L. Search for Related Content PubMed Citation Articles by Kirkcaldy, R. D. Articles by Tynes, L. L. Veterans Depression Quality of Care, Practice Guidelines Medical Records

Best Practices: Depression Screening in a VA Primary Care Clinic

In 1998 the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) mandated annual depression screening at all VA primary care clinics. The VA Medical Center, New Orleans, implemented a four-item screening tool. The authors report on an evaluation of the screening program. Of 1,100 patients visiting the clinic during a one-month period, 1,068 (97 percent) were screened at that visit or at some point in the previous 12 months. Of the 70 patients who screened positive for depression, 50 (71 percent) were offered at least one treatment modality or psychiatric referral. The findings establish benchmarks for screening administration and for follow-through on positive screens. The authors describe features of the electronic medical record that contributed to the successful implementation of this best practice.

Get information about faster international access.

Privacy Policy

Copyright © 2006 American Psychiatric Association. All rights reserved.

Home | Search | Current Issue | Past Issues | Subscribe | All APPI Journals | Help | Contact Us