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Assessment and Evaluation of the High Risk Neonate: The NICU Network Neurobehavioral Scale
Published on: August 25, 2014
Implementing a standardized screening protocol for parental depression, anxiety, and PTSD symptoms in the Neonatal
Angelica Moreyra1, LaTrice L Dowtin2, Maria Ocampo3
1Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA; Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, USA.
Insights
A new screening program for parents in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) effectively identifies mental health needs. This approach successfully connected 27% of parents with crucial mental health services, improving care for families during a critical time.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) care
- Parental mental health
- Healthcare program development
Background:
- Infants in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) experience high parental stress.
- Existing mental health support for NICU parents is often insufficient.
- Early identification of parental mental health issues is critical for infant and family well-being.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and implement a standardized mental health screening program for parents of NICU infants.
- To assess the feasibility, acceptance, and effectiveness of the screening protocol.
- To provide a model for other NICUs to implement universal screening.
Main Methods:
- A standardized screening protocol assessed depression, anxiety, and trauma in parents 14 days post-NICU admission.
- Screening was integrated into routine medical care, facilitated by social workers and psychology fellows.
- A total of 150 parents completed the screening, with positive results triggering mental health referrals.
Main Results:
- Approximately 27% of screened parents had positive mental health indicators requiring referral.
- The screening protocol was found to be feasible and widely accepted by parents.
- The program successfully established referrals for in-house mental health services.
Conclusions:
- The developed standardized screening program is effective in identifying NICU parents needing mental health support.
- This model demonstrates a feasible and accepted method for universal mental health screening in NICU settings.
- Implementing such protocols can improve access to essential mental health services for vulnerable families.
Abstract:
The aim of this paper is to describe the development of a standardized screening program for parents of infants in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and to assess its implementation. The standardized screening protocol assessed parental mental health symptoms including depression, anxiety and trauma. Screening began at 14 days post NICU admission and was implemented as part of routine medical care for all caregivers with infants admitted to the NICU at two weeks of age. Screenings were facilitated by pediatric social workers and psychology postdoctoral fellows and included review of critical self-harm items. A total of 158 parents ages 18-42 years (mean = 31.04) were eligible for screening, with 150 completed screenings. Positive screens on any of the three measures resulted in a mental health referral. Approximately 27% of parents had a positive screen that resulted in a mental health referral. The standardized screening protocol was found to be feasible, widely accepted, and effective in establishing referrals for in house mental health services. This model can be used as an example to help other NICUs implement their own universal screening protocols.
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