DOI

10.21007/con.dnp.2025.0115

Faculty Advisor

Kate Fouquier, PhD, APRN, CNM, PMH-C, FACNM

Document Type

Poster

Publication Date

Spring 4-30-2025

Disciplines

Health and Medical Administration | Investigative Techniques | Medicine and Health Sciences | Mental and Social Health | Mental Disorders | Nursing | Nursing Midwifery | Obstetrics and Gynecology | Pediatrics | Psychiatric and Mental Health | Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing | Psychiatry | Quality Improvement

Abstract

Purpose/Background

Postpartum depression (PPD) affects one in nine women. It has distressing impacts, including behavioral and attachment issues and toveruse of healthcare services. PPD occurs within 4 weeks to 12 months postpartum. A scoping review was conducted to compare referral rates to mental health providers after PPD screenings were conducted via telehealth versus those completed at well-child visits.

Methods

Peer-reviewed articles published within five years before the initial search, beginning September 2022 and ending November 2024, were selected. Articles were sourced from several publications using an online library database with various MeSH terms and Boolean operators. Search results were narrowed to ten articles, and the Rapid Critical Appraisal (RCA) tool was used to determine the level of evidence and significance. Following article evaluations, two assumptions were made: 1) PPD screenings increase with various screening opportunities and 2) standardized PPD screening tools and guidelines for patient education and referrals enhance treatment and management.

Results

Evidence levels varied from Level I to Level VI. Topics ranged from telehealth effectiveness and interventions to pediatricians connecting women with mental health providers. Six articles showed an increase in PPD screening rates. Mental health referrals increased, patient satisfaction increased, and positive PPD screens increased in four studies. The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) was used for screening in nine articles. Several studies concluded that screening increased when a standardized screening tool was used and when providers were properly educated on appropriate referrals. Overall, research on postpartum depression (PPD) screening is limited, highlighting the need for further research.

Implications for Nursing Practice

Research recommendations can be implemented into nursing practice, specifically for midwives, when conducting screenings during postpartum visits. Screenings beyond six weeks postpartum can occur via telehealth visits. Midwives can also develop good rapport with pediatricians to assist with referrals.

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