Author Biographical Info

Joyce Ighedosa is a seasoned Nurse Practitioner, working as a Global Public Health Advisor with expertise in quality improvement, operational efficiency, and employee well-being. Completing her Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) in December 2024. She has built a career dedicated to enhancing global health outcomes while optimizing organizational operations across diverse sectors. Leveraging extensive experience in travel medicine, public health, infectious disease prevention and control, clinical operations, and employee fitness for duty, she works to streamline processes, increase business value, and support sustainable growth. Her work focuses on both physical and mental health, promoting holistic well-being within the workplace. Through effective strategies to reduce workplace stress, raise mental health awareness, and provide critical resources, Joyce ensures that employee well-being is prioritized, fostering a resilient and engaged workforce. As a leader, Joyce is passionate about developing talent and fostering a collaborative environment where team members are motivated and empowered to achieve shared goals. By providing clear direction and promoting a culture of accountability, she drives high performance and ensures the successful execution of strategic initiatives, all while minimizing business disruptions. In addition to her expertise, Joyce is committed to integrating mental health initiatives into organizational health strategies. This includes reducing stigma, supporting mental health resources, and promoting workplace wellness programs that address the holistic needs of employees. Her leadership in these areas has helped organizations create a safe, supportive, and productive work environment that drives long-term success. With a proven track record of enhancing operational efficiencies and advancing health and safety standards, Joyce remains dedicated to continuous improvement and innovation, ensuring that global operations not only meet but exceed standards for employee health, safety, and well-being.

Date of Doctor of Nursing Practice Project Completion

Summer 7-30-2024

Faculty Advisor

Leissa A. Roberts

Abstract

A Quality Improvement Project: Implementing a Mental Health Screening Program for International Business Travelers.

PURPOSE The purpose of the Quality Improvement project was to implement a mental health screening program for international business travelers in an oil and gas organization. The Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-2) was implemented

BACKGROUND The project was implemented in a global oil and gas organization. The original medical screening for pre-travel preparation was on identification of physiological disorders, proper management of identified disease processes; infectious disease prevention; vaccine review and update; malaria chemoprophylaxis and vector control. Mental Health was not reviewed.

METHODOLOGY The PHQ-2 was added to the pre-existing International Travel Health Questionnaire. Prior to this addition, clinician training on interpretation of PHQ-2 results and next steps for positive results was conducted. The Plan-Do-Study-Act methodology was used to adopt changes within the program.

RESULTS A total of ten clinicians completed the pre survey with twelve questions, and all agreed that it was both important and their responsibility to screen for depression. Seventy percent of clinicians agreed they know when to treat for both mild and moderate depression, and 50% when to treat for severe depression. Seventy percent of clinicians indicated they were comfortable treating for mild depression. With comfort levels dropping to 50% and 30% for treatment of moderate and severe depression respectively.

IMPLICATIONS Successful implementation of the QI project will lead to improved mental health outcomes, through early identification of feeling down, depressed or hopeless. Travelers with a positive PHQ-2 are referred to external psychiatric services for further evaluation and management of potential mental health disorder.

Keywords

Mental Health Screening, Travelers, Depressed, Mental Health Disorder, Patient Health Questionnaire-2 (PHQ-2), International Business Traveler, Oil and Gas Company, Quality Improvement (QI), International, Pre-Travel Preparation, Vaccines, Malaria Chemoprophylaxis

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