title: Acceptability of routine screening for perinatal depression.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  To assess the acceptability of routine screening for perinatal depression.
  
  
  METHODS
  Postnatal women (n=860) and health professionals (n=916) were surveyed after 3 years of routine perinatal (antenatal and postnatal) use of the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS).
  
  
  RESULTS
  Over 90% of women had the screening explained to them and found the EPDS easy to complete; 85% had no difficulties completing it. Discomfort with screening was significantly related to having a higher EPDS score. A majority of health professionals using the EPDS was comfortable and found it useful.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The sample involved only maternity services supporting depression screening. In addition, the response rate from GPs was low.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Routine screening with the EPDS is acceptable to most women and health professionals. Sensitive explanation, along with staff training and support, is essential in implementing depression screening.
authors.affiliation: University of Melbourne, Department of Psychiatry Austin Health, Repat Campus PO Box 5444, West Heidelberg, Victoria, 3061, Australia. a.buist@unimelb.edu.au
authors.forename: Anne
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Buist
authors.forename: John
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Condon
authors.forename: Janette
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Brooks
authors.forename: Craig
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Speelman
authors.forename: Jeannette
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Milgrom
authors.forename: Barbara
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Hayes
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Ellwood
authors.forename: Bryanne
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Barnett
authors.forename: Nick
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Kowalenko
authors.forename: Stephen
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Matthey
authors.forename: Marie-Paule
authors.initials: MP
authors.lastname: Austin
authors.forename: Justin
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Bilszta
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D019052:Depression, Postpartum / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology; D005194:Family Practice; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006771:Hospitals, Maternity; D006801:Humans; D008403:Mass Screening / Q000523:psychology*; D008880:Midwifery; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care / Q000523:psychology*; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D010555:Personality Inventory; D014739:Victoria