Improving Postpartum Depression Screening Rates Using a Quality Improvement Framework in a Community-based Academic...

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Maternal Health
• Quality Improvement

Background:

• Postpartum depression (PPD) is a common maternal diagnosis, particularly in underserved populations.
• Undiagnosed PPD negatively impacts maternal and child health.
• Routine screening is recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Purpose of the Study:

• To implement a quality improvement initiative to increase PPD screening rates in a primary care clinic.
• To ensure equitable screening across diverse patient populations.
• To maintain high referral rates for positive PPD screens.

Main Methods:

• A multidisciplinary team utilized the plan-do-study-act method for process improvement.
• Interventions included workflow adjustments and staff education.
• P-type control charts monitored screening and referral rate improvements.

Main Results:

• PPD screening rates increased from 16% to 72% for well-child visits up to 6 months.
• Referral rates for positive PPD screens remained above 90%.
• No disparities in screening rates were observed across race/ethnicity, language, or insurance status.

Conclusions:

• Combining staff education with workflow changes effectively boosts PPD screening in primary care.
• Quality improvement initiatives can successfully increase PPD screening rates.
• Equitable screening practices were achieved, reducing health disparities.