Date of Award

Summer 2024

Project Type

Thesis

College or School

CHHS

Department

Nursing

Departments (Collect)

Nursing Department

Program or Major

Direct Entry Masters of Nursing

Degree Name

Master of Science

First Advisor

Pamela Kallmerten PhD, DNP, RN, CNL

Second Advisor

Elizabeth Evans DNP, RN, CNL

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Postpartum depression (PPD) is a significant mental health issue affecting a substantial percentage of new mothers, ranging from "baby blues" to severe forms like postpartum psychosis. Maternity nurses play a crucial role in early detection and education due to the gap in postpartum care follow-up appointments, which can delay necessary interventions.

LOCAL PROBLEM: Despite the critical role of maternity nurses, there is variability in their preparedness to educate and support patients regarding PPD during the immediate postpartum period. This study aims to enhance maternity nurses' knowledge and confidence in providing PPD education through a quality improvement (QI) project within a microsystem.

METHODS: A literature review was conducted using the CINAHL, Medline, and APA PsycInfo databases to identify relevant studies on PPD education for maternity staff. Four articles meeting inclusion criteria were analyzed, providing evidence-based strategies for staff education. The QI project employed the Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) cycle, including pretest and posttest surveys to assess knowledge improvement following an educational intervention.

RESULTS: The QI project demonstrated a significant increase of 54% in maternity nurses' knowledge and self-efficacy regarding PPD education. Key findings include improved understanding of PPD symptoms, risk factors, and available resources among participating nurses.

CONCLUSIONS: Enhancing maternity nurses' education on PPD through targeted interventions is essential for improving patient outcomes and support during the critical postpartum period. Continued efforts to integrate evidence-based practices into nursing education and practice are recommended to address the multifaceted challenges of maternal mental health. Keywords: Postpartum depression, maternity nurses, staff education, quality improvement, perinatal mental health, PDSA cycle

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