Title

Screening and Follow Up for Postpartum Depression: How to Improve Practice

Author

Mallory Matusik, Valparaiso University

Date of Award

5-3-2022

Degree Type

Evidence-Based Project Report

Degree Name

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

Department

Nursing

First Advisor

Christine Paquin

Abstract

Postpartum depression (PPD) is one of the most common mental health conditions, affecting one in seven women during their reproductive years (American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists [ACOG], 2018). The purpose of this evidence-based practice (EBP) project was to improve screening and management of PPD using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) screening tool and a protocol for appropriate treatment and follow up care for PPD. A protocol was created by the project leader with information on screening and diagnosis, follow up, and treatment for PPD. The protocol also included information on how to assess for suicidal and/or homicidal ideation in women with PPD. Women who were seen for a 2- or 6-week postpartum visit (n = 18) were recruited at a women’s health clinic in Northwest Indiana to participate in the project. Data collection was done on a pre-intervention group to determine if the EPDS was used prior to implementation of the project. The post-intervention group (n = 18) received screening with the EPDS at their postpartum visit. The number of participants screened with the EPDS comprised the primary outcome and was measured as a frequency. The secondary outcome of detection rates of PPD was measured by EPDS scores of 10 or greater. Data were analyzed using a Mann-Whitney test, chi-square test, and a simple linear regression to determine if demographic variables had an impact on EPDS scores as another secondary outcome. The primary outcome was met with a 50.3% increase in screening rates using the EPDS. The secondary outcome was also met with a 100% increase in detection rates of postpartum depression from using the EPDS. The data analysis concluded that the variable of age was statistically significant and had an impact on EPDS scores. Findings from this project may be used in practice to ensure appropriate screening and management for PPD is being implemented.

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-Share Alike 4.0 International License.

Recommended Citation

Matusik, Mallory, "Screening and Follow Up for Postpartum Depression: How to Improve Practice" (2022). Evidence-Based Practice Project Reports. 179.
https://scholar.valpo.edu/ebpr/179