Which tool is commonly used to assess depression in home health patients?

The PHQ-9 (Patient Health Questionnaire-9) is a widely used tool for assessing depression, particularly in home health settings. It consists of nine questions that align with the diagnostic criteria for major depressive disorder according to the DSM-5. Each item corresponds to one of the symptoms of depression, and patients rate their experience over the past two weeks, which helps to quantify the severity of their symptoms.

The tool is favored in home health care because it is simple to administer and score, making it accessible for both patients and healthcare providers. It provides valuable insights into a patient’s mental health, which can guide treatment decisions and interventions. Additionally, the PHQ-9 allows practitioners to monitor changes in depressive symptoms over time, facilitating tailored care for individuals in the home health setting.

Other tools mentioned, like the GAD-7 and the Hamilton Anxiety Scale, focus on anxiety rather than depression. The Beck Depression Inventory also assesses depression but is less commonly used in home health compared to the PHQ-9, which has been specifically validated for such environments.