Developing a Postpartum Depression Screening and Referral Procedure in Pediatric Primary Care

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Primary Care
• Mental Health
• Maternal-Child Health

Background:

• Postpartum depression (PPD) affects 10-20% of mothers, impairing maternal-child engagement and increasing developmental risks.
• Early PPD diagnosis and management are crucial but hindered by low screening rates (<50%) despite maternal receptiveness.

Purpose of the Study:

• To appraise the evidence for implementing PPD screening in pediatric primary care.
• To describe a clinical decision support algorithm for PPD screening and follow-up.
• To outline the development of a referral/resource list for PPD.

Main Methods:

• Review of current evidence on PPD screening implementation in pediatric settings.
• Description of a clinical decision support algorithm for screening and follow-up.
• Process for developing a local resource and referral list.

Main Results:

• Evidence supports using a clinical decision support algorithm for PPD screening.
• Availability of local resources and referrals at the point of care is essential.
• PPD screening in pediatric primary care is feasible and adaptable.

Conclusions:

• Pediatric primary care settings can effectively implement PPD screening.
• Adaptable screening protocols and readily available resources are key to successful PPD management.