ATC Abstracts

American Transplant Congress abstracts

  • Home
  • Meetings Archive
    • 2022 American Transplant Congress
    • 2021 American Transplant Congress
    • 2020 American Transplant Congress
    • 2019 American Transplant Congress
    • 2018 American Transplant Congress
    • 2017 American Transplant Congress
    • 2016 American Transplant Congress
    • 2015 American Transplant Congress
    • 2013 American Transplant Congress
  • Keyword Index
  • Resources
    • 2021 Resources
    • 2016 Resources
      • 2016 Welcome Letter
      • ATC 2016 Program Planning Committees
      • ASTS Council 2015-2016
      • AST Board of Directors 2015-2016
    • 2015 Resources
      • 2015 Welcome Letter
      • ATC 2015 Program Planning Committees
      • ASTS Council 2014-2015
      • AST Board of Directors 2014-2015
      • 2015 Conference Schedule
  • Search

Depression Screening Protocol in Post Transplant Clinic. Implementing the A3 Scientific Method for Improving Patient Safety

W. M. Potts, A. Anthony, K. Brayman, A. Doyle

Charles Strickler Transplant Center, University of Virginia Health System, Charlottesville, VA

Meeting: 2020 American Transplant Congress

Abstract number: 290

Keywords: Kidney/liver transplantation, Psychosocial, Risk factors, Safety

Session Information

Session Name: Psychosocial and Treatment Adherence

Session Type: Oral Abstract Session

Date: Saturday, May 30, 2020

Session Time: 3:15pm-4:45pm

 Presentation Time: 4:15pm-4:27pm

Location: Virtual

*Purpose: Effect of the routine use of Patient Health Questionnaire PHQ-2 Screening in ambulatory transplant clinic to identify patients at risk for self-harm

*Methods: Following a series of unexpected suicides amongst patients followed in our specialized multi-organ transplant clinic, an A3 process was undertaken and a program for routine screening of patients who came to our clinic was put in place. This process utilizes the Patient Health Questionnaire PHQ-2 which is administered by the clinic staff for all transplant recipients. A score on the PHQ-2 >= 3 triggers completion of the PHQ-9. A score of >=10 or endorsement of item #9 (thoughts you would be better off dead, or of hurting yourself) on the PHQ-9 triggers a referral to Transplant Social Work and the Attending Physician. Patients then receive further clinical assessment of mood, suicide risk assessment and ongoing mental health intervention.

*Results: Between November 2016 and June of 2018, 8,813 patient contacts were screened using the PHQ-2. Approximately 10% of all patient contacts met our established threshold for symptoms consistent with moderate depression (PHQ-9 >=10) with liver transplant recipients having the highest percentage of positive depressive symptoms (Liver 13.2%, Kidney 8.03%, and Lung 6.69%). Of those patients, kidney transplant recipients evidenced a higher rate of suicidal ideation or endorsement of item 9 on the PHQ-9 (Kidney 19.29%, Liver 16.55%, and Lung 11.54%).

*Conclusions: The Joint Commission Sentinel Alert from 2016 recommends that all transplant centers have a formal process for screening recipients for depression and the risk for self-harm. We found the PHQ-2 to be a practical and feasible way to screen a relatively large amount of patients to identify a smaller cohort that could go on to receive more detailed assessment by the Transplant Social Work team. We found that major depression to be common and that kidney transplant recipients to have the highest incidence of suicidal ideation. We suggest that heightened awareness of these issues among staff and an active screening program are important components of transplant care.

 border=

 border=

  • Tweet
  • Email
  • Print

To cite this abstract in AMA style:

Potts WM, Anthony A, Brayman K, Doyle A. Depression Screening Protocol in Post Transplant Clinic. Implementing the A3 Scientific Method for Improving Patient Safety [abstract]. Am J Transplant. 2020; 20 (suppl 3). https://atcmeetingabstracts.com/abstract/depression-screening-protocol-in-post-transplant-clinic-implementing-the-a3-scientific-method-for-improving-patient-safety/. Accessed May 11, 2025.

« Back to 2020 American Transplant Congress

Visit Our Partner Sites

American Transplant Congress (ATC)

Visit the official site for the American Transplant Congress »

American Journal of Transplantation

The official publication for the American Society of Transplantation (AST) and the American Society of Transplant Surgeons (ASTS) »

American Society of Transplantation (AST)

An organization of more than 3000 professionals dedicated to advancing the field of transplantation. »

American Society of Transplant Surgeons (ASTS)

The society represents approximately 1,800 professionals dedicated to excellence in transplantation surgery. »

Copyright © 2013-2025 by American Society of Transplantation and the American Society of Transplant Surgeons. All rights reserved.

Privacy Policy | Terms of Use | Cookie Preferences