Implementing Mental Health Screening for Adolescent Hematology and Oncology Patients: A Quality Improvement Initiative

Abstract

Purpose:

Adolescents and young adults (AYA) with chronic illnesses experience an increase in mental health concerns. A mental health screening (MHS) process for hematology and oncology patients was implemented in a single institution. The quality improvement project was conducted to integrate a MHS process, educate providers about the importance of mental health in this patient population, and evaluate the process.

Methods:

The COM-B (capability, opportunity, motivation–behavior) model for behavior change was used to inform strategic planning and Plan–Do–Study–Act (PDSA) methodologies for process improvement. Retrospective chart reviews and surveys were conducted to determine missed screening rates and providers’ perceptions, knowledge, attitudes, and skills of the MHS process.

Results:

Of 334 eligible patient encounters, the missed screening rate was 15.0%, the overall error rate of completing the screening was 3.8%, the error rate of completing the suicide or self-harm indicator was 2.6%, and the missed medical social worker touch point was 4.8%.

Conclusion:

The rising rates of mental health concerns in AYA hematology and oncology patients call for streamlined MHS processes to improve the identification of patients who may need intervention and services. Processes should be tailored to workflows and available resources. Future PDSA cycles will include providing dedicated nursing education and determining the cost needed to meet the rising mental health needs of the AYA hematology and oncology population.