A Project Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements
for the Degree of
MASTER OF SCIENCE
in
Nursing SciencePostpartum depression screening guidelines were updated by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the United States Preventive Services Task Force in 2015 and 2016, respectively. Universal postpartum depression screening is recommended where previously it was not. Postpartum depression screening is relevant to the rapidly growing population of women Veterans served by the Veterans Health Administration (VA) as part of their comprehensive health care benefits. Little information was available on the postpartum depression screening practices within the Alaska VA Healthcare System. Using a quality improvement methodology, the author identified postpartum depression screening as a topic of interest. Current practice was assessed through a retrospective chart audit of all maternity consults placed during the fiscal year 2014. The chart audit revealed an 81% postpartum depression screening rate. Incomplete data limited a full statistical analysis; however, all women who returned to an Alaska VA clinic, received screening and treatment. An informational brochure was developed for women and their health care providers highlighting postpartum depression screening and treatment resources.Title Page / Abstract / Table of Contents / List of Tables / List of Appendices / Introduction / Purpose / Literature Review / Implications for Nursing Practice / Methods / Results / Discussion / Conclusion / References / Appendice
