# Can PHQ-9 and similar screening tools be delivered digitally and scored automatically?

URL: https://tymirahealth.com/resources/faqs/can-phq-9-and-similar-screening-tools-be-delivered-digitally-and-scored-automatically
For: Digital health teams | Digital health and technology | Reviewed by Independent clinical reviewer, Registered mental health clinician, Kenya | Last reviewed 8 November 2026

**Answer:** Yes, if you keep the validated wording, response options and item order unchanged, use translations that have been validated, and check the instrument's licence terms. Automatic scoring is reliable for totals, but results are screening information, not a diagnosis. Any response suggesting self-harm, such as PHQ-9 item 9, should trigger prompt clinician review and show crisis information to the user. Store item-level answers, not just totals, and code results with LOINC so they can be shared and audited.

Sources: Regenstrief Institute (LOINC): https://loinc.org/44249-1 - HL7 International: https://hl7.org/fhir/R4/questionnaire.html - World Health Organization: https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789241549790

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