Super-Utilizers' of L&D Triage Do Not Have an Increased Postpartum EPDS [35P

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Non-pregnant patients overutilizing emergency room resources have been reported to have higher rates of depression. Obstetrical "Super-utilization" has been previously defined as > 4 acute/unscheduled medical visits during pregnancy. We wished to determine if being a pregnant “Super-utilizer” could be a marker for postpartum depression. METHODS: A hospital obstetrical database was searched to determine the number of acute/unscheduled L&D triage visits for patients delivering during a three month time period. Patients with > 4 acute/unscheduled labor and delivery triage visits were considered “Super-utilizers.” Demographic and outcomes data were collected. An Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Score (EDPS) of ≥11 was considered a positive screen. Data were summarized, and groups were compared using chi-squared test for independence and Fisher's exact test. RESULTS: Of 750 delivered patients during a three month period, 56 (7.5%) pregnant triage “Super-utilizers” were identified. 3 (5.4%) of the 56 of “Super-utilizers” had an EPDS ≥11. Obstetrical non-“Super-utilizers” had similar rates of positive EPDS. CONCLUSION: Pregnant triage “Super-utilizers” were not statistically more likely to have an Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Score (EDPS)  11 than non-“Super-utilizers.”