Using a self-service kiosk to identify behavioural health needs in a primary care clinic serving an urban, underserved population

J Innov Health Inform. 2015 Sep 9;22(3):323-8. doi: 10.14236/jhi.v22i3.134.

Abstract

Background: Integration of behavioural health into primary care clinics is an established model of care and important approach to eliminating mental health disparities, but demands on provider time is a barrier to mental health screening. The purpose of this study was to determine the feasibility of using a kiosk placed in a primary care clinic to screen for multiple mental health disorders.

Methods: Quality improvement initiative with Plan-Do-Study-Act implementation and time series monitoring of utilisation outcomes.

Results: A total of 281 screens were completed identifying positive screens for depression (30%) and bipolar disorder (17%). Post-traumatic stress disorder and concerning substance use were less common.

Conclusions: Development of health information technology to facilitate behavioural health assessment in primary care is a promising approach to integrated care and provides additional benefits of population health monitoring.

MeSH terms

  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mass Screening / instrumentation*
  • Mental Disorders / diagnosis*
  • Patient Participation / methods*
  • Pilot Projects
  • Primary Health Care / methods*
  • Vulnerable Populations