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.