Patient Reported Experiences of Anxiety and Depression Screenings in a Canadian Adult Cystic Fibrosis Clinic

The International Depression Epidemiological Study (TIDES) found rates of anxiety and depression 2–3 times higher in the cystic fibrosis (CF) population than in community samples. Following recommendations of the International Committee on Mental Health in CF we began conducting screenings at our Canadian Adult CF Clinic using the GAD-7 and PHQ-9, referring patients to mental health (MH) supports within and outside the clinic. Our aim was to provide a service patients themselves experienced as supportive of their MH. We found few studies on patient reported experiences of MH screening programs in CF clinics, and none in the Canadian context. Patients ≥ 19 were invited to complete an anonymous online survey of 55 quantitative and qualitative questions, which 16% of our clinic population completed. Results showed patients felt cared for by the CF team; they appreciated the Clinic’s MH focus and services; they felt a safe, private and respectful space was provided for screenings; they agreed to be screened to improve their own or others MH care; and they felt being screened would improve overall Clinic MH supports and resources. Patients identified the need for: additional CF psychiatry time; an in-clinic therapist with CF knowledge; timely access to in-clinic MH care providers; longer MH appointments; more MH check-ins and follow-ups between clinic visits; virtual workshops on CF and MH; and more CF knowledge for counsellors in the community. With this data and insight we aim to strengthen the Clinic’s screening program, its mental health supports, and inform other Canadian CF clinics.