Depression screening in a university campus pharmacy: a pilot project

Area of Science:

• Pharmacy Practice
• Mental Health Screening
• Public Health

Background:

• Depression is a prevalent mental health concern among university students.
• Early detection and intervention are crucial for managing depression effectively.
• Campus pharmacies offer a unique setting for accessible health screenings.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the utility of a depression screening tool within a university campus pharmacy setting.
• To evaluate student perceptions of comfort and usefulness regarding depression screening.
• To explore the feasibility of integrating mental health services into pharmacy workflows.

Main Methods:

• An uncontrolled study was conducted in a university campus pharmacy.
• Twenty-five individuals were screened for depression using a standardized tool.
• Participants completed a satisfaction survey regarding the screening process and information provided.

Main Results:

• One participant screened positive for depression, and another for borderline depression.
• A significant majority (64%) found the screening tool very useful.
• Most participants (92%) reported feeling comfortable during the screening and found the information helpful.

Conclusions:

• Depression screening is a viable service in university campus pharmacies.
• Students are comfortable discussing depression with pharmacists in this setting.
• Pharmacists can effectively provide valuable information and support for mental health concerns.