Assessing the Problem: Leadership, Collaboration, Communication, Change Management, and Policy Considerations
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Assessing the Problem: Leadership, Collaboration, Communication, Change Management,
and Policy Considerations
Name
Capella University
NURS-FPX 4900
Professor
December 2023
A Patient, Family, or Population Health Problem
According to the WHO, approximately 264 million people worldwide suffer from
depression, making it one of the leading causes of disability globally (Friedrich, 2017). As a
nurse, addressing the mental health needs of populations is an integral part of my role. In the US,
an estimated 7% of adults experience depression annually. It is the leading cause of disability for
Americans ages 15-44. This high burden means depression often intersects with my patient
interactions, either as a primary or co-occurring condition. Depression is associated with an
increased risk of developing other chronic diseases like diabetes, cardiovascular issues, and
dementia (Friedrich, 2017). As a nurse focused on holistic health, I understand the need to assess
and manage depression as part of preventative care approaches.
Certain groups are disproportionately impacted, such as women, older adults, low-income
individuals, and those with chronic illnesses (Friedrich, 2017). Promoting equitable access to
mental health resources within at-risk communities is an advocacy area I am passionate about.
Untreated depression carries personal, social, and economic costs through increased healthcare
utilization, workplace absenteeism, and suicidality. As a member of the healthcare workforce,
addressing modifiable population risk factors for depression has professional relevance as well
(Friedrich, 2017). During my career, I aspire to help challenge the stigma still surrounding
mental illness through compassionate, non-judgmental nursing care of depressed patients and
community education. Empowering others to prioritize mental wellness is exceedingly essential.
In my capstone, I handled Mrs. Rooney, a 50-year-old patient with depression, and her
family. Mrs. Rooney is experiencing several depressive symptoms that have persisted for six
months, including low mood, sadness, hopelessness, low self-esteem, and decreased interest in
her usual activities. This duration meets the DSM-5 criteria for a diagnosis of major depressive
