Developing a Postpartum Depression Screening and Referral Procedure in Pediatric Primary Care

Abstract

Introduction: Postpartum depression affects approximately 10% to 20% of mothers and impairs a mother's ability to engage with her child at an emotional and cognitive level, placing the child at greater risk for impaired development. Early diagnosis and management can reduce its negative impacts. Despite mothers being receptive to screening, screening rates are less than 50%. Methods: This article provides an appraisal of the current state of the evidence on implementing screening for postpartum depression in pediatric primary care. It describes how to use a clinical decision support algorithm for screening and follow-up and the process of developing an accompanying referral/resource list. Results: Evidence supports the use of clinical decision support algorithm and the need for having local resources and referrals available at the point of care. Discussion: Screening for postpartum depression in the pediatric primary care setting is feasible and can be adapted to the local setting.