538 Implementing depression screening services in appointment-based pharmacies: A qualitative observational feasibility study

Objectives/Goals: This study aimed to explore the feasibility of implementing sustainable depression screening services within an appointment-based pharmacy. Methods/Study Population: A qualitative observational study was conducted at a rural, appointment-based community pharmacy. Following staff consent, unstructured interviews and workflow observations were performed over a 1-week period to characterize existing processes and identify potential integration points for screening. Field notes from observations and interviews were supplemented with an anonymous Qualtrics survey assessing perceived barriers and facilitators to depression screening implementation. Results/Anticipated Results: The pharmacy filled approximately 200 prescriptions daily and employed one pharmacist and two to four bilingual technicians serving a predominantly Hispanic population. Both the pharmacist and staff were supportive of implementing depression screening and viewed it as compatible with their MedSync workflow. Reported barriers included the lack of a private counseling area and concerns regarding patient comfort discussing mental health due to stigma. Discussion/Significance of Impact: Appointment-based pharmacies are well suited to integrate depression screening into existing workflows. Future implementation efforts should address structural and stigma-related barriers to optimize feasibility and sustainability.