Using a self-service kiosk to identify behavioural health needs in a primary care clinic serving an urban, underserved population

BACKGROUND: Integration of behavioural health into primary care clinics is an established model of care and important approach to eliminating mental health disparities, but demands on provider time is a barrier to mental health screening. The purpose of this study was to determine the feasibility of using a kiosk placed in a primary care clinic to screen for multiple mental health disorders. METHODS: Quality improvement initiative with Plan-Do-Study-Act implementation and time series monitoring of utilisation outcomes. RESULTS: A total of 281 screens were completed identifying positive screens for depression (30%) and bipolar disorder (17%). Post-traumatic stress disorder and concerning substance use were less common. CONCLUSIONS: Development of health information technology to facilitate behavioural health assessment in primary care is a promising approach to integrated care and provides additional benefits of population health monitoring.