Date on Paper
7-2020
Document Type
Doctoral Paper
Degree Name
D.N.P.
Department
Nursing
Committee Chair
Batscha, Catherine
Committee Member
Clark, Rudy
Author's Keywords
postpartum depression; screening; pediatric primary care; well-child visits
Abstract
Background: Postpartum depression (PPD) is recognized as one of the most common complications following childbirth. Despite evidence-based recommendations to screen for postpartum depression in pediatric primary care, screening rates during well-child visits remain at less than 50%. Pediatric providers have consistently identified barriers to screening mothers for PPD. Methods: A multifaceted educational intervention was implemented that focused on screening for PPD during well-child visits and oriented providers to resources and a local referral process for mothers who screened positive. A pretest-posttest design was used to measure provider knowledge, confidence, and awareness in screening, utilizing available resources and a local referral process created by the DNP student (project leader). A separate education session was held for pediatric staff (registered nurses (RNs), licensed practical nurses (LPNs), and medical assistants (MAs)). Following the education sessions, screening for PPD using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) was incorporated into well-child visits between 1 month and 6 months of age. A post-survey evaluation was given to pediatric staff at the end of the project to elicit information on screening implementation. Results: A paired t-test was conducted and determined a significant increase in provider knowledge confidence, and awareness in PPD screening from pretest to posttest. Following implementation of the (EPDS), 75% of women who attended well-child visits between the ages of 1 and 6 months were screened for PPD. Summary: A multifaceted educational intervention demonstrated improvements in provider’s knowledge, confidence and awareness. PPD screening rates increase when providers are given appropriate education and resources.
Recommended Citation
Williams, Shannon, "The impact of education and resources on postpartum depression screening and referral in pediatric primary care." (2020). Doctor of Nursing Practice Papers. Paper 86.
Retrieved from https://ir.library.louisville.edu/dnp/86
