final deliverable

DNP Project Title

Implementing an evidenced based scale that measures depression, anxiety and stress in a outpatient mental health private practice.

Project Site

Wilkerson & Company LLC

DNP student

Ramona Wilkerson

Reporting period

11-24-24 through 12-15-24

Section One: Summary

Please provide a short overview (1-2 paragraphs) of project progress during this reporting period. Changed title of project and changed the site.

During this reporting period, the project successfully completed its initial 12-week phase, which included a title change and a site transition. The focus during this time was on integrating the new framework and conducting the first round of data collection and analysis. This phase yielded valuable insights into the prevalence of anxiety, depression, and stress among our clients, significantly informing our treatment planning and intervention strategies.

As we move forward, ongoing communication with the clinical team remains a priority to address any challenges and ensure smooth implementation. The analysis of the initial data is crucial for making necessary adjustments that will enhance the effectiveness of the DASS21 tool in our practice, setting the stage for future rounds of data collection and refinement.

Section Two: Activities and Progress

Report on activities for the period covered by this report and describe any deviation or changes in the project and the reasons for these. Include any additional activities undertaken that are not part of the project and the background for their inclusion. The focus is on the implementation of the DASS21 (Depression Anxiety Stress Scales) tool to measure stress and depression in patients at Wilkerson & Company LLC, a private mental health practice. This change was driven by the need to align the project more closely with current clinical settings and the specific needs of the patient population. During Week 12 of the implementation of the DASS21 (Depression Anxiety Stress Scales) tool at Wilkerson & Company LLC, we engaged in several key activities to facilitate the integration of this assessment tool into our clinical practice. These activities included conducting follow-up training sessions for staff, addressing any questions or concerns about the DASS21, and refining our data collection protocols based on initial feedback from clinicians. Additionally, we began gathering preliminary data on patient responses, which has provided valuable insights into the current levels of anxiety, depression, and stress among our clients.

There were a few deviations from our original project plan during this reporting period. Initially, we intended to launch the DASS21 tool across all patient demographics simultaneously; however, we decided to stagger the implementation by starting with high-risk patient groups first. This change was driven by the need to prioritize those who might benefit the most from immediate assessment and intervention, aligning the project more closely with the clinical realities of our practice. This approach also allows us to refine our processes based on the experiences of these initial groups before expanding to the broader patient population.

In addition to the core activities related to the DASS21 implementation, we undertook a supplementary initiative to enhance patient engagement in the assessment process. We developed informational materials that explain the purpose and benefits of the DASS21 tool, aiming to demystify the assessment for clients and encourage their participation. This decision was made in response to feedback indicating that some patients were hesitant to engage with the tool due to a lack of understanding. By providing this additional context, we hope to foster a more supportive environment that facilitates open discussions about mental health and encourages patients to take an active role in their assessment and treatment strategy to the specific environment and patient needs at Wilkerson & Company LLC.

Section Three: Institutional Issues

Report on any changes or issues with the clinical/practice site. Do not use names. If none state none. None

Section Four: Outputs and Deliverables

Are there any outputs or deliverables you would like to discuss? If none state none. None

Section Five: Outcomes and Lessons Learned

Outline any emerging outcomes or lessons if any that have been learned during this reporting period. Outcomes can be expected or unexpected, and positive, negative, or neutral. If none state none

During this reporting period, several key outcomes and lessons emerged from the completed implementation of the DASS21 tool in our private mental health practice. A significant finding was the identification of stress as a triggering factor for both depression and anxiety among patients. This result not only aligns with existing literature but also underscores the critical need to address stress in our clinical interventions, as it was consistently linked to the symptoms experienced by our clients.

Additionally, an important lesson learned was the variability in how different patients respond to stress. While stress was found to be a common trigger, some patients exhibited more anxiety-related symptoms, while others displayed predominantly depressive symptoms. This insight has led us to consider more individualized approaches in our treatment strategies, tailoring interventions to better meet the specific needs of each patient. Overall, the project highlights the integral role of stress in mental health and the importance of personalized care.

Section Six: Evaluation

Provide brief details of progress in terms of the development and implementation of the project evaluation plan. Detail any interesting findings or emerging evaluation issues of interest. If none state none.

After 12 weeks of assessing the project, significant progress has been made in the development and implementation of the project evaluation plan for the DASS21 integration. The evaluation plan is now fully operational, with clearly defined key performance indicators (KPIs) and outcome measures in place to evaluate the tool’s effectiveness within our private mental health practice. Baseline data collection has been completed, focusing on patient outcomes, practitioner engagement, and overall system usability, providing a robust framework for ongoing assessment.

One of the most compelling findings from the evaluation is the confirmation that stress acts as a significant triggering factor in the development of both depression and anxiety among our patients. This outcome reinforces previous research and emphasizes the necessity of addressing stress in our clinical approaches. Moreover, many patients reported a greater sense of being understood and engaged in their therapy sessions due to the structured assessment provided by the DASS21 tool, indicating a positive impact on the therapeutic process.

However, an emerging evaluation issue has surfaced concerning the accuracy of data entry among staff members. Discrepancies in how the outputs of the tool are recorded in patient files could potentially compromise the reliability of our evaluation. To address this, we are implementing additional training sessions and clarifying data entry protocols to ensure consistency across the practice. This proactive approach aims to enhance the quality of our evaluation efforts and support the ongoing success of the DASS21 integration.

Section Eight: Risks, Issues, and Challenges

Report on any issues or problems that have impacted on the development and implementation of the project during the reporting period. Detail what impact any issues may have on the achievement of project goal(s). Report on any unexpected project achievements. If none state none. None

Section Nine: Collaboration and Support

Is there anything that you need advice and support on? If none needed state none needed. none

Section Ten: Budget

Are there any budget issues? If none state no. Budget has changed 5k to now $100

Section Eleven: Next Steps

What are the next steps? 12 weeks completed