COUNTDOWN DAY 5: Section D – Mood
Beginning October 1st, the depression screening tool in the Minimum Data Set (MDS) will transition to the PHQ-2 to 9©. The PHQ-2 to 9© introduces a skip pattern logic to guide the completion of the depression screener.
The resident mood interview begins with two gateway questions that address the cardinal symptoms of depression: a persistent depressed mood and an inability to experience pleasure. By honing in on these symptoms, this tool can quickly identify those who may be at risk for depression. Based on the responses to the first two questions, the interview will either end or continue through the remaining seven questions. The embedded skip pattern is designed to reduce the length of the interview assessment for residents who fail to report the cardinal symptoms of depression. Although the interview coding may conclude with the first two questions, asking the remaining questions provides insight to the resident’s thoughts, feelings, and ideas can provide insight and impact care planning.
Beyond the initial screening, the information gathered from the PHQ-2 to 9© interview plays a crucial role in guiding supportive treatment planning and resource utilization, including:
- Nursing component classification in the Patient Driven Payment Model (PDPM).
- Addressing the physical, mental, emotional, social, and spiritual factors contributing to the resident’s ability to participate in meaningful activities.
- Implementing leisure or identified interests within therapy sessions.
- Facilitating participation in activities of interest outside of therapy.
- Improving the resident’s health literacy to promote overall wellness.
- Initiating referrals for additional evaluation of possible depression or other mood disorders.
Early identification of residents at risk for depression will allow for healthcare providers to intervene more effectively and efficiently. This proactive approach can lead to timely interventions and better outcomes for patients struggling with depression.
Resources
- Reliant’s PHQ-2 to 9 Clinical Resource
- Reliant’s PHQ-2 to 9 Flow Chart
- Reliant’s PHQ-9 Observational Clinical Resource
- CMS’ PHQ-2 to 9 Cue Cards
Be on the lookout for tomorrow’s blog: Care Area Triggers & Care Area Assessments
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