Increasing and maintaining rates of standardized depression screening in youth with childhood-onset systemic lupus erythematosus in a pediatric rheumatology clinic.

Background: Depression adversely affects health outcomes in patients with childhood-onset systemic lupus erythematous (cSLE). By identifying patients with depressive symptoms, we can intervene early with referrals to mental health resources and improve outcomes. The aim of our quality improvement project was to increase and maintain rates of standardized depression screening for youth with cSLE seen within our pediatric rheumatology clinic.