Document Type

Capstone

Title

Initiating a perinatal depression screening protocol in a community-based hospital

Authors

Mari Seidu, Nova Southeastern University

Degree Name

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

Copyright Statement

All rights reserved. This publication is intended for use solely by faculty, students, and staff of Nova Southeastern University. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, now known or later developed, including but not limited to photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the author or the publisher.

Department

College of Nursing

First Advisor

Sabrina Friedman

Publication Date / Copyright Date

2016

Publisher

Nova Southeastern University

NSUWorks Citation

Mari Seidu. 2016. Initiating a perinatal depression screening protocol in a community-based hospital. Capstone. Nova Southeastern University. Retrieved from NSUWorks, College of Nursing. (38)
https://nsuworks.nova.edu/hpd_con_stuetd/38.

Abstract

Background: According to the World Health Organization (WHO), perinatal depression (PD) is the most common childbirth complication. About 10% of pregnant women and about 13% of postpartum women experience a mental health disorder, primarily depression (WHO, 2016). One of the WHO (2015 a) goals for maternal mental health includes providing strategies for the promotion of psychosocial well-being and prevention of mental disorders of mothers during and after delivery. Purpose: The purpose of this performance improvement project was to establish a perinatal depression risk screening protocol and improve nursing knowledge on PD at a community-based hospital in Miami. Theoretical Framework: Beck’s postpartum depression theory Method: The project gained support and buy-in from the administration and management team of the healthcare institution. It included a comprehensive literature review used as a guide to establishing a perinatal depression screening protocol. Finally, staff nurses received education on PD, followed by an assessment for improved knowledge and retention of information. Result: A paired-samples t-test was conducted to compare pretest and posttest results for Registered nurses after receiving education on perinatal depression, N = 70. The results suggested improved knowledge and retention of new information. Conclusion: The perinatal depression screening protocol provided a framework for the assessment and first-line management for perinatal depression. There was evidence of improved nursing knowledge and retention of information on maternal mood disorders, especially perinatal depression.

Disciplines

Maternal, Child Health and Neonatal Nursing | Nursing

Keywords

Health and environmental sciences, Maternal mental health, Perinatal depression, Postpartum depression

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