Views of healthcare staff and mothers about postnatal depression screening.
BACKGROUND
More research is needed on views of using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale to screen recent mothers for this condition.


OBJECTIVE
To examine healthcare professionals' and mothers' views of using this tool.


METHODS
Findings of two qualitative studies on screening for postnatal depression were compared to provide an overview.


RESULTS
There were differences in views within and between groups, although all practitioners found the tool helpful for introducing the topic. Symptom disclosure was an issue for all, although practitioners were unaware that some mothers feared their child would be taken into care.


CONCLUSIONS
Pragmatic reasons (such as lack of time and resources) meant practice was not always optimal but, if recommendations are followed, mothers may be encouraged to disclose symptoms.
Mason
Linda
L
Faculty of Health and Applied Social Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University.
Poole
Helen
H
D019052:Depression, Postpartum / Q000175:diagnosis*; D005260:Female; D006282:Health Personnel / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D009035:Mothers / Q000523:psychology*; D011247:Pregnancy; D013222:State Medicine; D006113:United Kingdom