Enhancing Maternal Mental Health: A Quality Improvement Project to Increase Postpartum Depression Screening

Background: Postpartum depression (PPD) remains a significant public health concern, often leading to adverse outcomes for both mothers and infants. The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) is a validated screening tool that can facilitate early identification and timely referral for mental health services. At the community partner’s Health Department, low referral rates for mental health services among postpartum mothers underscored the critical need for a systematic and effective approach to screening and referral. Methods: Electronic health record (EHR) data from January to August were reviewed to assess baseline referral rates before EPDS implementation. After the introduction of EPDS screening in September, data from September to November were analyzed to assess its impact. A chi-square analysis was conducted to compare referral rates before and after the implementation of the EPDS screening protocol. Results: The analysis revealed a significant increase in the identification and referral of postpartum mothers at risk for PPD after the EPDS was implemented. The standardized protocol ensured timely intervention for mothers scoring above the threshold, with chi-square analysis indicating a strong association between EPDS screening and higher referral rates for mental health services (Pearson Chi-Square = 37.534, df = 1, p < 0.001). Conclusion: The integration of the EPDS screening tool at the community partner’s Health Department significantly enhanced the identification of postpartum mothers at risk for PPD and facilitated timely referrals to psychiatric or psychological support. This quality improvement initiative underscores the importance of incorporating validated screening tools into routine care to improve mental health outcomes for postpartum mothers.