Optimizing Mental Health Through Continual Assessment of Inpatients in Kentucky Hospitals: A Quality Improvement Project
Grade Level at Time of Presentation
Senior
Major
Nursing, BSN
Minor
Biology
2nd Grade Level at Time of Presentation
Senior
2nd Student Major
Nursing, BSN
3rd Grade Level at Time of Presentation
Senior
3rd Student Major
Nursing, BSN
4th Grade Level at Time of Presentation
Senior
4th Student Major
Nursing, BSN
5th Student Major
Nursing, BSN
Institution
Morehead State University
KY House District #
70
KY Senate District #
27
Faculty Advisor/ Mentor
Mrs. Mary (Suzi) White MSN, PHCNS-BC
Department
Department of Nursing
Abstract
Mental Health Distress Recognition and Continual Assessment of Inpatients in Kentucky Hospitals: A Quality Improvement Project
Gabrielle Merrill, Student
Faculty Mentor: Mrs. Suzi White MSN, PHCNS-BC
A lack of mental health accessibility is among the top health disparities plaguing the Commonwealth. Data derived from the 2018 America’s Health Ranking Report states that Kentucky is currently ranked 49th in the nation for mental health well-being, tagged with the second highest rates of depression. A study conducted in a rural Texas community from 2006 to 2014 concluded that 30 community members committed suicide within 72 hours following hospital discharge, 24 of which were committed within just 24 hours. Texas is currently ranked 39th for mental health well-being of citizens, 10 rankings better than that of Kentucky. Why were risk factors associated with the mental distress of these patients not recognized? A literature review, comprised of 25 studies on the topic of mental health assessment of healthcare patients, revealed a shocking truth that was also observed first-hand through clinical experiences in a local facility…continual mental health assessments during hospitalizations is not occurring.
The US Preventative Services Task Force recommends an initial mental health assessment upon admission, however, no guidelines are currently set into practice that suggest a continual assessment. Hospitalization periods are unrecognized opportunities to identify risk factors related to mental distress. The proposed intervention to this gap in the literature is the development of a comprehensive and time effective mental health screening tool to be utilized during routine shift assessments. The screening tool developed will be based upon research conducted on the efficiency, specificity, and ease of administration of established screening tools related to mental distress and associated risk factors. This intervention will be piloted for effectiveness amongst registered-nurses of a Medical Surgical unit in a Central Kentucky teaching hospital. It is anticipated that this quality improvement intervention will increase recognition of mental distress risk factors and treatment prior to discharge, elevating the mental well-being of the Commonwealth.
Optimizing Mental Health Through Continual Assessment of Inpatients in Kentucky Hospitals: A Quality Improvement Project
Mental Health Distress Recognition and Continual Assessment of Inpatients in Kentucky Hospitals: A Quality Improvement Project
Gabrielle Merrill, Student
Faculty Mentor: Mrs. Suzi White MSN, PHCNS-BC
A lack of mental health accessibility is among the top health disparities plaguing the Commonwealth. Data derived from the 2018 America’s Health Ranking Report states that Kentucky is currently ranked 49th in the nation for mental health well-being, tagged with the second highest rates of depression. A study conducted in a rural Texas community from 2006 to 2014 concluded that 30 community members committed suicide within 72 hours following hospital discharge, 24 of which were committed within just 24 hours. Texas is currently ranked 39th for mental health well-being of citizens, 10 rankings better than that of Kentucky. Why were risk factors associated with the mental distress of these patients not recognized? A literature review, comprised of 25 studies on the topic of mental health assessment of healthcare patients, revealed a shocking truth that was also observed first-hand through clinical experiences in a local facility…continual mental health assessments during hospitalizations is not occurring.
The US Preventative Services Task Force recommends an initial mental health assessment upon admission, however, no guidelines are currently set into practice that suggest a continual assessment. Hospitalization periods are unrecognized opportunities to identify risk factors related to mental distress. The proposed intervention to this gap in the literature is the development of a comprehensive and time effective mental health screening tool to be utilized during routine shift assessments. The screening tool developed will be based upon research conducted on the efficiency, specificity, and ease of administration of established screening tools related to mental distress and associated risk factors. This intervention will be piloted for effectiveness amongst registered-nurses of a Medical Surgical unit in a Central Kentucky teaching hospital. It is anticipated that this quality improvement intervention will increase recognition of mental distress risk factors and treatment prior to discharge, elevating the mental well-being of the Commonwealth.