Date of Award

Summer 2026

Abstract

Introduction
At a nonprofit hospital located in New Hampshire, a 5P assessment was completed to determine a gap in the nursing staff's education on postpartum depression on a labor and delivery unit. Through the use of instructional design, persistent education on postpartum depression shows an overall increase in knowledge resulting in better patient-centered care (Takei, 2023). An important aspect of this quality improvement project was the participation of the nursing staff.

Methods
Using the PDSA framework (Plan-Do-Study Act), registered nurses on a labor and delivery unit participated in a three week quality improvement project to test their knowledge on postpartum depression before and after an educational presentation, focusing on an improvement in their overall knowledge to feel more comfortable and confident in speaking with their patients and their patients loved ones.

Intervention
An educational PowerPoint™ about the key points regarding postpartum depression was given to the registered nurses in the microsystem. The presentation highlighted the key aspects of postpartum depression to prepare the nursing staff to know the basics to provide patient-centered care.

Results
The results indicated an increase in the nursing staff's knowledge regarding postpartum depression as there was an increase in the overall test scores when comparing the post-educational test to the pre-education test results. The microsystem would benefit from a second PDSA cycle to allow for more education in the presentation, enhancing the nursing staff’s knowledge.

Conclusion
A presentation and ongoing education about postpartum depression is a potential tool for the nursing staff to review on a consistent basis for better patient-centered care. Keywords: postpartum depression, educational presentation, pre-education test, post-education test, registered nurses, evidence-based practice, 5P assessment

Document Type

Master's Thesis

First Advisor

Deborah Simonton

College or School

CHHS

Department or Program

Direct Entry Master of Nursing (DEMN)

Degree Name

Master of Science

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