Integrating routine mental health screenings into primary care appointments improved detection rates of psychiatric disorders from 40.5 percent to 88.8 percent, according to a study published Aug. 18 in JAMA Network Open.
The study was conducted from Sept. 1, 2017, to Dec. 31, 2019, in California primary care practices. Medical assistants incorporated depression screenings into the appointments of 52,944 adult patients.
The study found the screenings led to increased identification of depression among all patients and reduced diagnostic disparities in people less likely to be screened for the condition, including men, African Americans, older patients, patients with language barriers and those with public insurance.
The researchers found that incorporating depression screenings and initial depression treatment into primary care settings may help improve diagnosis and treatment rates for all patients.