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Show Improving Depression and Anxiety Care in the Post-COVID Population Alyssa Larson, BSN, RN, DNP-S, Jeanette Brown MD PhD, Christopher I. Macintosh PhD RN Key Take Away . Through implementation of a social work referral algorithm and patient/provider toolkit, rates of social work referrals increased in the Comprehensive COVID-19 Clinic. Clinic staff also reported high usability, feasibility, and satisfaction of both the algorithm and toolkit. Background Results The COVID-19 pandemic has caused a multitude of lingering symptoms both physical and psychological. The intervention period ran from November 1st, 2022-December 31st, 2022. Data was compared to the pre-intervention period that ran September 1st, 2022-October 31st, 2022. Anxiety and depression were reported by 23% of patients, creating an increased need for mental health care post infection. Currently, patients seen in the Comprehensive COVID-19 clinic are screened for anxiety and depression using the Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-7) and Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9). Although some patients are referred to a social worker once they screen positive, there is no standardized approach for social work referrals leaving many patients without mental health care. • Post-intervention, the study found a 28.6% increase in social work referrals Usability: the algorithm and toolkit were reported to be easy to implement by all staff members Feasibility: all staff members reported the intention to continue using the algorithm and toolkit at the completion of the project. Respondents also indicated that the algorithm and toolkit increased speed and frequency of getting patients needed resources. Methods Satisfaction: clinic staff all reported high satisfaction with the intervention Implementation of social work algorithm Conclusions • Any patient who scores 10 or greater on either the GAD-7 or PHQ-9 is offered a social work referral Implementation of patient/provider toolkit • Self care guide is offered to any patient who scores greater than 5 on either screener • Quick text dot phrases for provider charting purposes Evaluate satisfaction, usability, and feasibility of new algorithm and toolkit via surveys Clinic staff at the Comprehensive COVID-19 Clinic found value in the implementation of the social work algorithm and patient/provider toolkit. This data can guide further research on best management of psychologic conditions and complaints of COVID-19 survivors. Next steps involve adapting the screening tools to electronic versions that patients can fill out prior to arrival, creation of a flagging system within the electronic health record that prompts the clinician to offer a social work referral based on patient scores, and uploading the self-care guide document into the discharge library so that it can be sent to patients with discharge instructions. @uofunursing @utnurseresearch |
