Use of research evidence by hospital based perinatal nurses to provide care for postpartum depression

Logsdon, M. Cynthia

Monday, 18 November 2013

M. Cynthia Logsdon, PhD, WHNP-BC, FAAN¹
Roselyn Tomasulo, MSN, RNC²
C. Diane Eckert, BSN¹
(1)Nursing, University of Louisville Hospital, Louisville, KY
(2)Nursing Education and Research Deartment, University of Louisville Hospital, Louisville, KY

Learning Objective 1: 1. The learner will be able to discus use of Diffusion of Innovation Theory to change the culture of health care organization to embrace EBP.

Learning Objective 2: 2. The learner will be able to discuss three strategies for leading change by direct care nurses.

Postpartum depression (PPD) is a common experience for approximately 13% of new mothers internationally. In the western world, most women deliver their babies in hospitals. Hospital based perinatal nurses have extended contact with new mothers for 2-3 days before and after childbirth, providing a unique opportunity to identify mothers with risk factors for PPD, link them with available healthcare services, and provide them with tools and resources needed if PPD does occur. In this EBP project based upon Self Efficacy Theory (Bandura, 1977), direct care nurses partnered with nurse researchers to develop and evaluate a policy related to postpartum depression. The steps to policy development started with a research study to determine self efficacy of nurses related to teaching mothers about PPD. Then, continuing education programs were provided to nurses on the latest evidence related to teaching women about PPD, screening for PPD, and referrals for mental health care. Workgroups of direct care nurses developed the PPD policy and patient education information, aided by consultation from two international nursing experts on PPD. A Grand Rounds presentation on the policy was provided to the obstetric staff, and input and cooperation from both obstetricians and psychiatrists were received. Evaluation of the project included a chart audit to determine adherence to the policy, and a determination that additional sources of referral for community mental health care are needed. Next steps in the feedback loop include data collection from nursing staff related to how the policy is working and integration of the project with community programs.

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