Maternal Postpartum Depression Screening and Referral in a Latinx Immigrant Population: A Quality Improvement Study

Postpartum depression (PPD) is the most underdiagnosed obstetric complication in the United States. Left undiagnosed and untreated, PPD can have lasting effects on the infant and the mother. A quality improvement project was conducted to improve rates of screening and referrals with postpartum Latinx immigrant mothers. Community health workers were designated to assist with PPD screening and referral for behavioral health services, at a pediatric patient-centered medical home, using a referral process algorithm (Byatt, N., Biebel, K. & Straus, J. Postpartum Depression Screening Algorithm for Pediatric Providers During Well-Child Visits, MCPAP for Moms: Promoting maternal mental health during and after pregnancy, N/A (2014)). Using chi analysis of pre and post implementation findings, results demonstrated a 21% increase in screening of eligible postpartum mothers. Referrals for behavioral health services also increased from 9 to 22% of patients that screened positive. Community Health Workers were an asset in increasing screening and referral practices for PPD in a Latinx immigrant population. Further research efforts will assist to remove further barriers to PPD screening and treatment.