Date of Award
Summer 2022
Project Type
Thesis
College or School
CHHS
Department
Nursing
Program or Major
Direct-Entry Master's in Nursing
Degree Name
Master of Science
First Advisor
Pamela Kallmerten
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The postpartum period is often imbued with heightened emotions, unfamiliar challenges, and an abundance of uncertainty. Postpartum depression and anxiety are well discussed in literature, yet postpartum mothers may lack knowledge of these conditions and their associated risk factors, signs, and symptoms as well as the support resources which are available to them. Improved postpartum support and awareness may alleviate the prevalence, severity, and progression of these conditions into more severe cases.
LOCAL PROBLEM: Within the given microsystem, a gap in postpartum educational and support resources exists due to a lack of resource awareness and ease of accessibility.
METHODS: Utilizing the Plan-Do-Study-Act model, a pre-/post-test survey design with accompanying educational materials was provided to patients within the microsystem. Responses were analyzed to examine the provided resources’ effect on participant knowledge of postpartum risk factors, signs, symptoms, and resources as well as feelings of support, knowledge, and awareness.
RESULTS: Data analysis indicates an increase in postpartum participant knowledge, support, and awareness upon the provision of postpartum support and educational materials during admission to the microsystem. 20% of participants had a history of postpartum depression or anxiety, while 80% of participants did not. There was a 16.5% increase in knowledge regarding risk factors, and a 3.85% increase in knowledge regarding signs and symptoms. There was a 70.83% increase in resource awareness.
CONCLUSIONS: Postpartum patients admitted to the microsystem feel the provision of postpartum support materials during their admission stay is beneficial. Providing these resources in an accessible manner increases patient knowledge and awareness of postpartum depression and anxiety risk factors, signs, symptoms, and available resources. Increased knowledge and awareness of these conditions may reduce their prevalence and severity in not only the examined microsystem, but also the macrosystem and beyond.
Keywords: postpartum depression, postpartum anxiety, postpartum support, labor and delivery
Recommended Citation
Woodman, Danielle, "Promoting Postpartum Knowledge and Support through the Provision of Educational and Support Resources During the Postpartum Admission Stay: A Quality Improvement Project" (2022). Master's Theses and Capstones. 1609.
https://scholars.unh.edu/thesis/1609