Staff Education to Improve Consistent Utilization of the PHQ-9 Depression Screening Tool

This Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) project addressed the inconsistent use of standardized depression screening tools in an outpatient behavioral health setting. The purpose of the project was to implement a structured staff education intervention to improve clinician knowledge, confidence, and consistency in PHQ-9 documentation. Guided by the Johns Hopkins Evidence-Based Practice Model, the project involved delivering targeted education to behavioral health clinicians and evaluating practice implications. Findings support that staff education promotes improved documentation practices, supports accurate symptom assessment, and enhances patient safety. Incorporating standardized screening education into onboarding and ongoing professional development may contribute to sustainable, evidence-based mental health care delivery.