An evidence-based project to improve depression and alcohol use screening

Using research to improve practice is a high priority. Research shows that routine screening helps identify adults who are at risk for various disorders. Depression and alcohol use screening tools can improve evaluation and treatment. Nurses aimed to improve the screening rates for depression and alcohol use from the existing 50%-80% to 100% with a 1-hour educational program on depression screening and alcohol use disorders screening for 2 clinic areas: primary care and home-based care. Post program evaluation revealed that depression screening and alcohol use disorders screening rates increased to 100%.