Title
Postpartum depression screening in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit: program development, implementation, and lessons learned
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
2-18-2016
Abstract
Objective
The aims of this project were to describe the development of a postpartum depression screening program for mothers of infants in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and assess the implementation of the screening program.
Methods
Screening began at 14 days postpartum and was implemented as part of routine medical care. A nurse coordinator facilitated communication with mothers for increasing screen completion, review of critical self-harm items, and making mental health referrals. During the 18-month study period, 385 out of 793 eligible mothers completed the screen.
Results
Approximately 36% of mothers had a positive screen that resulted in a mental health referral and an additional 30% of mothers had screening results indicating significant symptoms.
Recommended Citation
J Multidiscip Healthc. 2016; 9: 59–67.