Implementing a standardized GAD screening tool in an intensive outpatient program: A practice change initiative

Purpose of Project: To evaluate whether implementing standardized GAD-7 screening during intake improves early recognition of anxiety symptoms, clinician adherence, and treatment alignment within an adult Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP). Methods: A nurse-led quality improvement project guided by the PDSA framework embedded the GAD-7 into the intake process for all new IOP clients, with data comparison pre- and post-implementation. Results: Screening completion increased from 45% to 92%; 85% of positive screens informed individualized treatment plans; clinician adherence reached 95%; and anxiety-assessment time decreased by 28%. Implications for Practice: Standardized screening enhances early anxiety recognition, reduces assessment variability, improves care planning efficiency, and supports nurse-led quality improvement leadership in behavioral health systems.