Conducting depression screenings in a community pharmacy: A pilot comparison of methods

Abstract

Abstract Background Depression is one of the most common mental health disorders in the United States. Routine screening of all adult patients for depression is recommended, but current screening rates are in the single digits. Community pharmacists are the most accessible health care providers, making them uniquely positioned to screen patients for depression and, when necessary, refer patients to local health care providers. Objective The purpose of this study was to compare methods for administration of a depression screening tool in an independent, community pharmacy. Methods Fifty Patient Health Questionnaire‐9 (PHQ‐9) depression screening questionnaires were distributed to participants through each of three different methods: (1) as a bag stuffer with written instructions at prescription pick‐up, (2) personal ask with verbal instructions at prescription drop‐off, or (3) one‐on‐one conversation with the pharmacist at prescription pick‐up or during a previously scheduled medication therapy management appointment. Results There was a difference in the participation rate among each of the three methods: 1/50 in the bag stuffer group, 36/50 in the personal ask group, and 40/50 in the interview group. Of the 77 participants, 18 required referral for additional treatment. Of the participants surveyed, 93% indicated that offering depression screening in a community pharmacy was a valuable service. The average amount of time spent with each participant was approximately 4 minutes. Conclusion Administration of the PHQ‐9 screening tool that involved direct pharmacist intervention elicited a higher response from participants than bag stuffers and may be an effective strategy to engage patients in a conversation regarding their mental health.