SNHP | Nurse Anesthesia DNP Project Presentations
Academic Level at Time of Presentation
Graduate
Major
DNP - Family Nurse Practitioner
List all Project Mentors & Advisor(s)
Dr. Shane Rust, DNP, FNP-BC
Presentation Format
Poster Presentation
Abstract/Description
Postpartum depression is a serious complication of childbirth that is largely dismissed by society for a variety of reasons. Unfortunately, the condition is intensified for NICU mothers. If left untreated, postpartum depression can have detrimental effects. This quality-improvement project focused on early recognition of postpartum depression symptoms in mothers of infants admitted to a neonatal intensive care unit in Western Kentucky. The goal of the project was education for and recognition of postpartum depression in NICU mothers. Methodology for the project included utilizing the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale to determine the severity of symptoms of postpartum depression for NICU mothers. Initially, the scale was to be completed weekly; however, compliance was best through completion of the scale at the infant’s discharge. Results from the project revealed a high prevalence of postpartum depression in NICU mothers (66.67%) and a lack of education and awareness from NICU staff regarding the condition. Additionally, this project proved that identified patients at risk for postpartum depression often refuse supportive therapy. Overall, this project was considered successful due to the increased awareness for postpartum depression by NICU mothers and staff. Although there was no change for implementing the works of this project into standard practice for the identified unit, there was increased discussion for the large demand for improved screening and awareness for postpartum depression in NICU mothers.
Spring Scholars Week 2025
Nurse Anesthesia DNP Project Presentations
The Cruciality of Early Recognition of Postpartum Depression in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) Mothers
Postpartum depression is a serious complication of childbirth that is largely dismissed by society for a variety of reasons. Unfortunately, the condition is intensified for NICU mothers. If left untreated, postpartum depression can have detrimental effects. This quality-improvement project focused on early recognition of postpartum depression symptoms in mothers of infants admitted to a neonatal intensive care unit in Western Kentucky. The goal of the project was education for and recognition of postpartum depression in NICU mothers. Methodology for the project included utilizing the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale to determine the severity of symptoms of postpartum depression for NICU mothers. Initially, the scale was to be completed weekly; however, compliance was best through completion of the scale at the infant’s discharge. Results from the project revealed a high prevalence of postpartum depression in NICU mothers (66.67%) and a lack of education and awareness from NICU staff regarding the condition. Additionally, this project proved that identified patients at risk for postpartum depression often refuse supportive therapy. Overall, this project was considered successful due to the increased awareness for postpartum depression by NICU mothers and staff. Although there was no change for implementing the works of this project into standard practice for the identified unit, there was increased discussion for the large demand for improved screening and awareness for postpartum depression in NICU mothers.
