Critical Review & Evaluation of Health Promotion Protocol/Practice

Sample Answer

Comprehensive Review: PHQ-9 Screening Tool for Depression

1. Identification and Selection of Screening Tool

Tool: PHQ-9 (Patient Health Questionnaire-9)Purpose: A 9-item self-administered tool designed to screen, diagnose, and monitor the severity of depression in adults. It aligns with DSM-5 criteria for major depressive disorder.Why Selected:

• Widely validated and recommended by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) for depression screening.
• Efficient (takes 3–5 minutes to complete), cost-effective, and easily integrated into routine clinical workflows.
• Used in primary care, community health centers, and home visits by nurse practitioners (NPs) to identify at-risk individuals early.

2. Research on Ethical, Economical, and Legal IssuesEthical Issues

• Autonomy vs. Stigma: Screening may inadvertently label patients, leading to self-stigma or reluctance to seek care. NPs must ensure confidentiality and explain the tool’s purpose transparently.
• Informed Consent: Patients must understand the implications of a positive screen (e.g., referral to mental health services) to provide valid consent.