(1312) Patient Outcomes from Using Depression Screening in Oncology Patient Consultations in a Community-based Setting

Objectives: Depression and other mental illnesses are highly prevalent among patients with cancer, which negatively affects patient outcomes and quality of life. Depression left unrecognized and/or untreated can lead to nonadherence to cancer treatment, resulting in disease progression. The National Cancer Institute states that over 25% of patients experience cancer-associated depression, with only 5% of patients seeking help from a mental health professional. In this study, we plan to implement depression screening for oncology patients in a community-based specialty pharmacy and evaluate how effective our screening and follow up resources are in providing positive patient outcomes and increased quality of life.

Methods: This study will take place over a 5-month period across 3 participating community-based specialty pharmacies in Kentucky and Indiana. We estimate that 40 oncology patients will be enrolled. Eligible patients will include all genders 18 years and older with an active cancer diagnosis. Patients must be receiving oral cancer treatment through a community-based specialty pharmacy. Patients are not eligible if they already have a depression diagnosis. Screening will be conducted by pharmacists via telephone during initial assessments, reassessments or refill assessments, depending on where the patient is with their treatment. The pharmacist will conduct the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) as well as ask additional questions related to patient demographics, antidepressant use, cancer type/stage, treatment adherence and previous mental health referrals. We will be using PHQ-9 scoring, for which a score of 0 to 4 is minimal, 5 to 9 is mild, and >9 is moderate to severe. Patients with scores >5 will warrant a referral to their oncologist for further evaluation as well as general information about community behavioral health resources. Follow-up will be made in 3 months from time of screening in which patients will be asked additional questions to assess positive outcomes (whether the patient was evaluated by their oncologist or used any behavioral health resources provided). Analysis of patient data will involve retrospective chart review within participating pharmacies.

Results: N/A

Conclusions: N/A