Date of Award

Spring 5-22-2021

Document Type

Doctor of Nursing Practice Final Manuscript

Degree Name

Doctor of Nursing Practice

Department

Nursing

First Advisor

Martha G. Fuller, PhD, PPCNP-BC

Abstract

Background: Postpartum depression (PPD) is one of the most common complications of childbirth, affecting approximately 10-20% of mothers within the child’s first year of life with negative impact on both mother and child. . Pediatric primary care providers have frequent contact over the infant’s first year of life. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends screening mothers for PPD at the 1, 2, 4, and 6-month well-baby visits, yet due to barriers, pediatric providers are not consistently screening for PPD. Barriers include lack of preparedness and knowledge of resources and inadequate time.

Aims of Service Change: To improve pediatric provider preparedness to screen for PPD at a large multi-site pediatric group practice in Southern California and lead to increased screening, detection, and treatment of PPD.

Details of Innovation: The core intervention was provider education regarding recommendations for postpartum depression screening. Provider education also included provider responsibility in identifying PPD, community resources, and an overview of PPD diagnostic criteria. This project assessed provider preparedness using a pre-post education online anonymous survey.

Outcome: Implementation of provider education increased self-reported preparedness to screen for PPD at well-baby visits with an increase of average score in all categories. Knowledge of resources and provider confidence had the most substantial increases.

Discussion: Implementing provider education regarding screening for PPD at well-baby visits is a simple and cost-effective intervention. This leads to improved provider preparedness, potential increased identification of PPD in mothers, and improved overall outcomes for mothers and babies.

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