Educating Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) Nurses on the Effects of Postpartum Depression (PPD) in NICU Mothers to Increase Screening Rates and Decrease Untreated PPD

Abstract

Record ID: 115

Award: Excellence in Research Communication

Student Major: Nursing

Project Advisor: Paul Lewis

Abstract: Postpartum depression (PPD) is a medical condition that affects 14-15% of mothers without an infant in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and 28-40% of those that do. Despite nearly 2 out of 5 NICU mothers experiencing PPD, screening and referral guidelines remain unclear. When explored, research suggests the use of screening tools increases the use of mental health resources among NICU mothers. One study found that among NICU mothers who screened positive for PPD, 93% then accessed treatment resources. The objective of this project is to educate NICU nurses on how to improve screening for PPD among NICU mothers to identify mothers at risk. Education initiatives included the definition, signs and symptoms, risk factors, and prevalence of PPD as well as offered screening tool education and next steps to take in decreasing the rate of PPD in NICU mothers. The material was presented via a Powerpoint presentation with an introductory video and handouts. Surveys were administered to the NICU nurses before and after the presentation to assess prior and gained knowledge. Results pending. The outcome of this project will determine if education initiatives for NICU nurses can positively impact the rate at which NICU mothers are screened for PPD.