Increasing postpartum depression screening and resources in pediatric primary care: A quality improvement project to...

Unidentified and untreated postpartum depression (PPD) can have a negative impact on children. This Quality Improvement (QI) project aimed to increase PPD screening through provider education and enhancing pediatric primary care provider (PCP) confidence in using the Edinburg Postnatal Depression Screening (EPDS) tool, discussing PPD with mothers, and providing resources.

PCPs and staff were educated on the project. Providers were surveyed prior to and after implementation to assess confidence with screening for and addressing PPD. Mothers of infants 0-6 months were screened using the EPDS at well-care visits. Discussion of PPD and resource support was provided if needed.

A total of 273 mothers met criteria for screening, and of those 65% (n = 178) had a documented score. 12.4% of mothers had a score of 10 or greater, indicating high risk for PPD. Results from PCPs were compared both pre- and post-project. Screening for PPD increased from 3 to 4.5, using the EPDS tool from 2.25 to 4.75, discussing PPD with mothers from 2.75 to 4.25, and providing resources from 2.25 to 4.25.

PPD screening increased, and provider confidence with using the EPDS, discussing PPD with mothers, and providing resources in pediatric primary care increased.

Educating PCPs on the importance of PPD screening and providing resources for at-risk mothers can increase identification of PPD in the primary care setting. Enhancing the confidence of providers to discuss PPD with mothers and offer resources to those in need can lead to better outcomes for pediatric patients and their families.