1.2

Task 1: Develop a Project Summary Document The Project Summary Document (23 pages) must include:

Title of the Project: Optimizing Depression Care Through Implementation of Routine PHQ9 Screening in Adult Primary Care

Purpose and Supporting Objectives (summarized from the manuscript section)

The primary objective of this project is to increase the consistent use of the PHQ-9 screening tool during adult patient encounters to improve the identification of depressive symptoms and facilitate timely clinical intervention. Additional objectives include improving workflow consistency related to depression screening, enhancing provider awareness of depression severity levels through standardized scoring, and supporting improved treatment planning for patients presenting with depressive symptoms. By implementing a structured and systematic screening approach, this project aims to strengthen mental health assessment processes and improve overall quality of care.

PICOT Question (summarized from the manuscript section)

The PICOT question of the given project is: Among adult primary care patients (P), does the use of routine PHQ-9 depression screening by nursing staff (I) versus usual care with no routine screening (C) of depression at an eight-week follow-up (T) influence the outcome rate of depression identification and mental health service referral (O)?

The question is in line with the project goal, which is to enhance the process of depression detection and treatment by organizing the practice of screening the population. PHQ-9 is an evidence-based measure that allows a systematic assessment of the symptoms of depression using a short tool that allows quick intervention and coordination of care among those who experience it (Negeri et al., 2021). The population (P) discusses the undiagnosed depression in primary care adult patients. The intervention (I) is associated with the incorporation of PHQ-9 into the intake procedures of the patients (Curth et al., 2020). The comparison (C) is a common practice where the screening is done irregularly. The outcome (O) is concerned with the increase in the rate of identification, and the timeframe (T) of eight weeks is sufficient time to evaluate the sustainability of the practice change.

Significance of the Problem (brief overview)

The main objective is to improve the consistency and efficiency of depression screening within one clinical practice environment,

The proposed DNP project aims to achieve the following objectives:

1. Increase the proportion of adult patients (18 years and above) using PHQ-9 to screen depression in primary care visits to 80 percent of the prevailing baseline in eight weeks of protocol implementation. This goal sets an objective to be utilized in the measurement of the screening rate improvement, guaranteeing that all eligible patients are systematically evaluated (Anderson et al., 2025).

2. Implement a standardized workflow process on the administration of PHQ-9, scoring interpretation, documentation of electronic health records, and follow-up care coordination of patients with positive screening outcomes (PHQ-9 score 10) within the first two weeks of project implementation. Standardization of workflows is essential to maintain the same screening practices and proper reaction to positive screens that will be smoothly integrated into clinical processes.

3. Increase the knowledge and confidence of primary care providers and staff in the administration of the PHQ-9, screening scores interpretation, and the initiation of relevant interventions, as assessed by pre- and post-implementation surveys, with an improved outcome of 25% at the end of the eight-week implementation period. Improved provider competence guarantees long-term screening behaviours and relevant clinical treatment of detected cases of depression.

4. Design and initiate a detailed referral protocol so that 90 percent of patients with moderate to severe symptoms of depression (PHQ-9 score 15 or greater) can get proper mental health referrals or start the treatment process in the course of eight weeks by the end of the project. This goal will help to overcome the fact that screening and treatment are closely connected, and identified patients will be provided with the essential mental health services.

These action-oriented, objective, specific, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals are directly related to the project design, which defines particular assessment criteria based on measurable indicators and timeframes (Negeri et al., 2021). The objectives focus on different aspects of the process of screening implementation, which include improvement of screening rates, standardization of workflow, competence building among the providers, and coordination of follow-up care. The success of these goals will lead to greater levels of depression detection, increased care quality, patient outcomes, and the growth of evidence-based practice implementation in the primary care environment.

Change Theory and Evidence-Based Intervention (briefly explained)

PlanDoStudyAct (PDSA) Quality Improvement Model,

The implementation project of PHQ-9 can be best categorized as a Quality Improvement project due to the purpose of the project to improve internal screening procedures, validated instruments, low risk, and non-generalizable results.

Preliminary Thoughts on Project Dissemination The summary should be clear, concise, and formatted using APA 7th edition.

Task 2: Evaluate the clarity, alignment, and completeness of the Project Summary Document. Reflect on the following: Are all key components addressed? Is the intervention clearly connected to the PICOT and problem? Are the purpose, change Theory, and evidence-Based intervention feasible and well-supported by evidence?