title: Uncovering the Golden Veil: Applying the Evidence for Telephone Screening to Detect Early Postpartum Depression.
abstract: Postpartum depression (PPD) is often detected later than symptom onset, or even undetected, because of lack of prompt or adequate screening. An evidence-based PPD screening protocol using a telephone-based format within a primary care practice was developed to identify symptoms and initiate treatment between 2 and 3 weeks postpartum. The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale was used, with positive screens referred for provider and support services, and then tracked for follow-through. Fifty-two percent of women screened positive. Sixty-four percent accepted both provider and support referrals, with 89% follow-through with provider referrals and 78% follow-through with support referrals. Outcomes support early screening for PPD using a telephone-based format to effectively identify symptoms and acceptance of referrals by participants.
authors: Dina N
authors: DN
authors: BenDavid
authors: Diane F
authors: DF
authors: Hunker
authors: Kathleen C
authors: KC
authors: Spadaro
keywords: evidence-based practice; maternal depression; perinatal depression; perinatal mental health; postpartum depression screening