Implementing Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Screening to Improve Postnatal Depression Management Among Outpatients
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Iloanya, Ndidi
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Abstract
Background: Postnatal depression (PND) is a common mental health condition affecting 13– 15% of women in the United States, yet it often remains undiagnosed and untreated (Robbins et al., 2023). At a private pediatric practice in the mid-Atlantic region, only 5% of mothers were screened for PND, falling significantly short of the American Academy of Pediatrics’ (AAP) 100% screening recommendation. Purpose: This quality improvement (QI) project aimed to improve the detection and management of PND by integrating the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) into routine practice. Methods: Over a 15-week period in Fall 2024, the EPDS was implemented into the clinic’s electronic health record (EHR), and a standardized workflow was developed. Staff, including pediatric nurse practitioners and front-desk personnel, were trained on EPDS scoring, eligibility criteria, and the teach-back method. Mothers scoring ≥13 were referred to mental health providers. Follow-up phone calls and visits were conducted to ensure engagement, education, and continuity of care. Results: Following implementation, the clinic achieved a 100% PND screening rate. Referrals for at-risk mothers exceeded targets beginning in week 2, demonstrating early and sustained success in identifying and managing PND. Conclusion: Integrating evidence-based screening tools such as the EPDS into pediatric workflows significantly improves PND identification and referral outcomes. Routine screening, provider training, and structured follow-up are essential to advancing maternal mental health.
