A recent study from Wake Forest University School of Medicine reveals that implementing an electronic health record (EHR)-based strategy significantly improves screening rates for anxiety and depression among epilepsy patients.
Published in the Journal of Clinical and Translational Science, the research highlights how leveraging existing clinical staff and EHR tools can enhance mental health detection in this vulnerable population.
Anxiety and depression are common yet often underdiagnosed in people with epilepsy, who face a two to five times greater risk of these conditions compared to the general population. Early identification through routine screening is crucial to improving patient outcomes and quality of life.
The study was conducted at Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist’s Comprehensive Epilepsy Center, where support staff integrated screening tools into the patient check-in process. Screening results were automatically recorded in the clinic’s EHR system, streamlining the workflow. This simple intervention increased screening rates from 12.6% to 29.2% of clinic visits.
Dr. Heidi Munger Clary, associate professor of neurology and lead author, noted that younger patients (average age 39.3) and white patients were more likely to complete the screenings than older or minority patients, pointing to disparities that require targeted attention.
The approach required only three to four clicks by support staff, making it a practical and scalable model for other epilepsy centers. However, challenges remain, including time constraints and workflow disruptions during screening.
The researchers suggest that shorter screening tools and encouraging patients to complete assessments before visits could further improve rates and equity.
For epilepsy patients and healthcare providers, this study underscores the importance of integrating mental health screenings into routine care. Practical steps include:
- Utilizing EHR systems to embed standardized anxiety and depression screening tools.
- Training clinic staff to administer screenings efficiently during patient check-in.
- Addressing demographic disparities by tailoring outreach and support.
- Exploring pre-visit electronic screening options to reduce clinic time pressures.
By adopting these strategies, epilepsy clinics can better identify and manage mental health conditions, ultimately enhancing comprehensive patient care.
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