Educational Intervention for Pediatricians on Research and Resources for Moms with Postpartum Depression

Abstract

Postpartum depression (PPD) is a serious condition that affects 13-19% of mothers who previously had postpartum blues. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that mothers receive screening for PPD at their infant’s well-child visits during months 1, 2, 4, and 6. The purpose of this intervention was to host an informational session for pediatric residents regarding current research and local/national resources for women with postpartum depression. We hypothesize that by doing this session, there will be a notable increase in the knowledge learned. The session was held at the Orlando Health Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children. Residents were given a pre-survey, a presentation, and then a post-survey immediately after. All surveys were online and given via Qualtrics. The presentation consisted of background information on postpartum depression, local specialists on maternal mental health, research supporting telemedicine, exercise, social interactions, and expressive writing as evidence-based methods to improve symptoms, and local/national resources for each respective field. Descriptive statistical analysis was used to analyze the differences in our pre-survey data versus. post-survey data. In comparing the pre to post-survey responses, an overall average of an 87% increase in knowledge occurred. Overall it was noted that all residents gained a better understanding of resources nationally and in the local community. Although limited by our sample size, N<14, our study concluded that the residents who attended our session were able to screen and diagnose postpartum depression and were able to provide local resources to mothers. We were able to accept our hypothesis that creating an educational intervention where current research and resources regarding support for women with PPD is synthesized and presented to pediatricians, their knowledge on available tools accessible to mothers will increase.