eScreening: Case Finding in Rural Primary Care
Principal Investigator: Sarah P. Farrell, PhD
Co-investigators: Emily Hauenstein, PhD, LCP, APRN, BC
John Schorling and others
Abstract:
Despite the attention to screening for depression and alcohol use, Healthy People 2010 objectives continue to include goals addressing the need to increase the detection of depression and decrease the rates of alcohol abuse. Major depression will be the second most burdensome illness in the world by the year 2020 (Murray & Lopez, 2000). Early detection can increase the percentages of people with mental health problems who can receive treatment. However, in isolated rural areas, early detection will require finding innovative ways to screen people who experience barriers to care.
The goals of this study were to develop a computer-based electronic screening technology (eScreening) for rural users of primary care. This descriptive pilot study adapted existing screening measures for depression and alcohol abuse to a portable computer-based format and examined the feasibility of its adoption and use. This was a three-step design using convenience samples beginning with focus groups with providers to gain a better understanding of the usefulness and acceptability of eScreening.
Second, with focus group information, the instruments were computerized and a touch screen developed to create an easy to use format. Once the computerized platform was complete, the second phase of the study involved usability testing with selected rural patients from the primary care setting.
After modifications in the touch screen platform, in Phase 3 the eScreening was implemented in primary care with a small sample to determine feasibility. The next phase of testing will take place at the Blue Ridge Medical Center starting August 2007.