Multilingual Postpartum Depression Screening in Pediatric Community Health Clinics

Abstract

Introduction: This evidence-based practice project established postpartum depression (PPD) screening and followed maternal use of mental health services in a multilingual low socioeconomic status urban population.

Method: The Iowa Model Revised: Evidence-Based Practice to Promote Excellence in Health Care was used to establish a screening protocol for mothers at their infants' well-child checks. For mothers with positive screens, providers referred them to mental health care and updated their child's electronic health record diagnosis to prompt reassessment for future visits.

Results: Over 6 months, 273 mothers were screened at 523 eligible office visits (83.5% screening rate), 26 (9.5%) screened positive, 19 (73.1%) were referred to mental health services, and 12 (63.2%) attended the referral. Thirteen (50%) mothers with PPD had the appropriate electronic health record flag in their infant's record.

Discussion: This project successfully implemented the American Academy of Pediatrics PPD screening guidelines and could be applicable to other pediatric outpatient settings.

Keywords: Postpartum depression screening; community health; immigrant; low-income; quality improvement.