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Seeing Through the Shadows: A Strategy to Improve Postpartum Depression Screening Practices.
Toni T Zappulla1, Susan M Wechter2
1Miramar FL, USA tzappulla66@gmail.com.
Journal of Doctoral Nursing Practice
|June 27, 2023
Summary
Implementing the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) significantly increased postpartum depression (PPD) screening and treatment in an ambulatory setting. This quality improvement project highlights the effectiveness of universal screening for PPD.
Area of Science:
- Nursing Practice
- Public Health
- Mental Health Screening
Background:
- A gap in postpartum depression (PPD) screening, detection, and treatment existed in ambulatory settings.
- This Doctor of Nursing Practice project aimed to address this gap by implementing a standardized PPD screening protocol.
Discussion:
- The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale-10 (EPDS-10) was utilized as a validated tool for screening.
- The project focused on a quality improvement initiative within a postpartum ambulatory care setting.
Key Insights:
- Universal screening for PPD increased from 10.9% to 95.8% after EPDS implementation.
- Referral and treatment rates for PPD rose from 1.8% to 19.6% following the intervention.
- Nine women were identified and brought into treatment for PPD.
Outlook:
- The project established an evidence-based standard of care for PPD screening in postpartum patients.
- Universal screening with validated tools can improve PPD detection and treatment compliance.
- Findings inform clinicians about the benefits of national PPD screening mandates.
