Due to the existence of a variety of mental disorders along with a myriad of causations, the researcher aims at developing instruments that factor in all the pertinent tenets in the diagnosis, treatment, screening, measuring, and monitoring mental illnesses. Today, depression is one of the most popular mental disorders that continues to impair the ability of affected individuals to perform at their optimal potential not only in the U.S., but globally. Depression accounts for the highest number of disabilities worldwide. Persistent Depressive Disorder (PDD) and Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) are some of the most common forms of depression, with MDD the leading cause of disability among Americans aged between 15 to 44.3 years old. IOWA is one of the popular evidence-based practice (EP) models that influences the decision-making process in clinical and other healthcare settings. The model was designed to adopt an interdisciplinary approach when utilized in the implementation of changes. The key features include its adherence to the problem-solving steps and utilization of the trial of change before full implementation. Peplau theory and Lewin’s theory of change are relevant theories for the actualization of the aims and objectives of this project. A sample size of 250 adolescents was used in this project with all the studies occuring in the clinic. Recruitment of the participants adhered strictly to the guidelines provided by the institutional review board (IRB). The two crucial inclusion features were the age and depressive tendencies of the participants. Out of the total 250 adolescents seen at the clinic in a period of 30 days, 170 patients were screened for depression using PHQ-9A tool in 30 Days; 15 out of 170 patients had high scores and were referred for a psych evaluation. From Day 1 to day 15, a total of 134 patients were seen, but only 69 were screened for depression. From Day 16 to Day 30, a total of 116 patients were seen, and 101 were screened. Data from the previous month, when no tool was used, indicated only 5 patients were presented and treated for depression. From Day 1 to Day 15, there was inconsistency because the screening was done by the practitioners during the assessment. From Day 16 to Day 30, it was agreed to let medical assistants give the tool to the patient to complete during registration, As a result, there was an increase in the number of those screened. Comparing data from the two months revealed that the PHQ-9 identified 15 patients as having depressive symptoms as opposed to 5 patients identified without the use of any tool. Even so, the inconsistency in the second month from Day 1 to 15 might have impaired the identification of more patients. There is a chance that the number of identified patients when using the PHQ-9 tool might have been higher had the medical assistants been consistent in their approach. Primarily, the high number of patients indicated that PHQ-9 has high efficacy in the diagnosis and screening for depressive symptoms in adolescents.
