A Cry for Help: The Need for Standardization of Postpartum Depression Screening with the Help of Pediatric Primary Care Providers

Postpartum depression (PPD) is a mood disorder that affects women from all cultural backgrounds. Rates of PPD are precipitated by many different risk factors. Many women are unaware of PPD symptoms and available resources for treatment. Early screening for PPD is imperative for proper treatment. Due to the frequency in which primary care pediatric providers routinely see newborns and their mothers, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that primary care clinicians routinely screen for PPD. Understanding the role that pediatric nurse practitioners have in screening for PPD and referring a mother for treatment was the overall goal of this study. This study implemented a qualitative, semi-structured interview approach for three pediatric nurse practitioners. After analysis of the interview transcripts, four major themes emerged. The themes are (a) impact of social determinants of health, (b) current environment, (c) standard of care, and (d) provider responsibility. Various subthemes were also uncovered from these interviews. Implications for nursing practice, research, and education are also discussed. The results of this study imply the need for practice guidelines providing mental health resources in the inpatient and outpatient settings, further research involving a diverse group of participants, and mental health education for advanced practice nurses.Bachelor of Scienc