Implementation of Pre-discharge Screening for Postpartum Depression

Postpartum depression is a severe health problem that often goes undiagnosed. The aim of this research was to identify whether mothers should be screened for postpartum depression (PPD) following delivery and to determine the appropriate tool to use. The best screening tool was found to be the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS). This scale is a simple 10-question survey, designed to be a screening tool to identify risk factors for PPD and the need for follow-up care. A policy was created for suggestion to a local perinatal unit. This policy states that screening should be done before the mother is discharged home after delivery. If the mother screens positive (a score greater than 10), the physician should be notified before the mother goes home. Multiple studies support that screening allows for better detection of PPD, lowers the risk of missed diagnosis, and increases the likelihood of early intervention. This could be for reasons such as transfer of care, missed appointments, and failure to return for follow up visits. The safety and wellbeing of the mother and baby is the number one priority of nurses and physicians during the peripartum period. Screening will help to better provide care to the mother, baby, and family. This should be a mandatory intervention for perinatal nurses