Wake Forest study improves mental health screening in epilepsy

A new study from Wake Forest University School of Medicine shows that using an electronic health record (EHR)-based strategy can increase the screening rates for anxiety and depression among epilepsy patients. Published in the Journal of Clinical and Translational Science, the research highlights the importance of recognizing and treating mental health conditions in this population.

Dr. Heidi Munger Clary, an associate professor of neurology, emphasized that anxiety and depression are prevalent among individuals with epilepsy, often going unnoticed and untreated. Patients with epilepsy face a two to five times higher risk of developing these conditions compared to the general population, making screening essential for improving their overall care.

The study was conducted at Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist’s Comprehensive Epilepsy Center, where support staff implemented screening tools for anxiety and depression during the patient check-in process. The results from these screenings were integrated directly into the clinic’s EHR system, streamlining the process for both staff and patients.

As a result of this EHR-based approach, the clinic saw an increase in screening rates from 12.6% to 29.2% of patient visits. The data indicated that younger patients, with an average age of 39.3 years, were more likely to complete the screenings compared to older patients, who averaged 43.4 years. Additionally, white patients showed higher completion rates than those from other racial and ethnic backgrounds.

Dr. Munger Clary noted that this simple strategy not only improves the detection of mental health issues but also offers a practical means for epilepsy centers to fulfill quality care requirements. The implementation required minimal effort from support staff, taking just three to four clicks in the EHR system.

Despite these advancements, Dr. Munger Clary pointed out the disparities in screening rates among different demographic groups. Future efforts should aim to reduce barriers related to time and disruptions in clinic workflows to ensure equitable access to mental health screenings for all patients.

Promising strategies include utilizing shorter screening tools and encouraging patients to complete them before their appointments. These approaches could further improve screening rates and ensure that all patients receive the mental health support they need.