DNP Projects
Date of Award
7-28-2026
Document Type
Graduate Paper
Degree Name
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
Department
Nursing
First Advisor
Dr. Jennifer Peterson
Subject Categories
Nursing
Abstract
Background:
Postpartum depression (PPD) is a common and often underrecognized complication, with many cases going undetected due to inconsistent screening practices in primary care. Delayed identification can negatively impact maternal well-being, infant bonding, and overall family health outcomes. This quality improvement project aimed to improve early detection of PPD by implementing routine screening and patient education during newborn visits in a primary care clinic.
Methods:
The intervention integrated the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) into the existing newborn visit workflow and introduced an evidence-based educational toolkit containing information on PPD symptoms, guidance for seeking care, and a QR code for clinic scheduling. The Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) framework guided implementation. Nursing staff administered the EPDS during rooming, and providers reviewed results during the visit. Data were collected over 16 eligible newborn encounters to evaluate screening rates, positive screenings, follow-up actions, and educational toolkit distribution. Staff feedback was also collected to assess feasibility and workflow integration.
Results:
Of the 16 eligible visits, 15 mothers completed screening (93.8%). One positive screening was identified, and timely follow-up was completed within 24 hours. The educational toolkit was distributed in 93.8% of visits, though no QR code engagement was recorded. Staff feedback indicated strong support for the intervention, citing ease of integration, minimal workflow disruption, and increased confidence in addressing postpartum mental health.
Conclusion:
Findings demonstrate that early PPD screening and education are feasible and well- integrated into routine newborn care, supporting timely identification and intervention for at-risk mothers. This approach may enhance postpartum mental health outcomes through earlier detection and improved access to care.
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 International License.
Recommended Citation
Goldschmidt, Riley, "The fourth trimester: Enhancing postpartum depression detection in primary care through early screening and patient education" (2026). DNP Projects. 27.
https://digitalcommons.csbsju.edu/nursing_dnp/27