Northern Kentucky University
Grade Level at Time of Presentation
Senior
Major
Nursing
Minor
Psychology
2nd Grade Level at Time of Presentation
Senior
2nd Student Major
Nursing
2nd Student Minor
Human Resources
KY House District #
78;88
KY Senate District #
4;6
Faculty Advisor/ Mentor
Laura Boesken DNP, MSN, RN
Department
Nursing Department
Abstract
Postpartum depression (PPD) occurs in 13-19% of women worldwide, and is a stigmatized medical condition affecting maternal and infantile long term outcomes. The purpose of this evidence-based practice project was to determine if women at high risk for PPD are affected by home visitation programs from discharge up to three years postpartum. CINHAL Ultimate, Google Scholar, and Medline databases were used. Current evidence supports the use of home-visitation programs for postpartum women to decrease the prevalence and the symptoms of PPD by allowing nurses access into homes to provide early intervention for PPD. In addition to providing care for prevention and treatment of PPD, nurses are able to educate mothers on proper infant care and provide additional resources for potential needs (car seats, formula, food stamps, etc.). Screening for PPD at least four times from 28 weeks prenatal up to 12 weeks postpartum is optimal for identifying and treating high risk women. The benefits of home visitation programs should be discussed during prenatal and postnatal appointments. In conclusion, home-visitation programs and frequent screenings should become the standard of care for prevention and treatment of postpartum depression. Future research should include how to generate use of home based visitation programs and feasibility of developing these programs as the standard of care for PPD.
Keywords: postpartum depression, infant outcomes, maternal outcomes, home healthcare, postpartum treatment, EDPS screening.
Included in
Family Practice Nursing Commons, Maternal, Child Health and Neonatal Nursing Commons, Nursing Midwifery Commons, Public Health and Community Nursing Commons
Home Visitation to Prevent and Reduce Postpartum Depression
Postpartum depression (PPD) occurs in 13-19% of women worldwide, and is a stigmatized medical condition affecting maternal and infantile long term outcomes. The purpose of this evidence-based practice project was to determine if women at high risk for PPD are affected by home visitation programs from discharge up to three years postpartum. CINHAL Ultimate, Google Scholar, and Medline databases were used. Current evidence supports the use of home-visitation programs for postpartum women to decrease the prevalence and the symptoms of PPD by allowing nurses access into homes to provide early intervention for PPD. In addition to providing care for prevention and treatment of PPD, nurses are able to educate mothers on proper infant care and provide additional resources for potential needs (car seats, formula, food stamps, etc.). Screening for PPD at least four times from 28 weeks prenatal up to 12 weeks postpartum is optimal for identifying and treating high risk women. The benefits of home visitation programs should be discussed during prenatal and postnatal appointments. In conclusion, home-visitation programs and frequent screenings should become the standard of care for prevention and treatment of postpartum depression. Future research should include how to generate use of home based visitation programs and feasibility of developing these programs as the standard of care for PPD.
Keywords: postpartum depression, infant outcomes, maternal outcomes, home healthcare, postpartum treatment, EDPS screening.