A higher proportion of active-duty service members (ADSM) have risk factors and depressive symptoms compared to the general United States population. This leads to decreased productivity, lost wages, and an increased risk of suicide. The DoD has created policies/guidelines for treating depression based on research to increase continuity of care and improve patient outcomes. The clinical question that was posed is “In ADSMs with depressive disorders, does provider adherence to DoD mental health policies and the VA/DoD CPG for depression, compared to non-adherence, affect patient outcomes (depression severity as measured by PHQ-9) over a six-month duration?” We analyzed 80 patient charts from the United States Air Force Academy and Evans Army Community Hospital in Colorado Springs, CO and found a mean adherence rate of 83.4% (15.72). It was found that provider adherence, after controlling for initial PHQ-9 scores at baseline, was significantly associated with decreased depression severity at 6 months, R2 = 0.6, F change (1, 77) = 6.99, p = 0.1. This process evaluation identified that higher provider adherence to policies/guidelines was linked to a statistically significant reduction in depression severity, which will ultimately impact the MHS Quadruple Aim. This can be sustained by active education on the latest policies and guidelines and ongoing chart audits. The recommendations moving forward to ensure application and sustainment of this project include quarterly chart audits, identification of barriers to policy and guidelines, active educational programs, and integration of CPGs into GENESIS.
2.The learner will be able to locate and understand the Clinical Practice Guideline for Depression Treatment
3.The learner will be able to distinguish common barriers and factors that improve adherence to policies and guidelines.
4.The learner will be able to identify future recommendations in research and education to assist with policy adherence