Response to Postmortem Depression
Response to Postmortem Depression
Response to Postmortem Depression
Response 1 Please respond to this discussion. Great post!
The population I chose to discuss was postpartum mothers developing postpartum depression. A common gap in healthcare in this population is how mothers are not seen in the OB office until their 6 week follow up appointment after birth. For some mothers, postpartum depression symptoms can already be beginning by then. There was a study conducted that had mothers set up both a 2 week and 6 week postpartum appointment. Results showed that although not everyone attended the 2 week appointment, with those that did, there were benefits to checking up the patient’s mood earlier (Pluym, et al., 2021). Next, it is crucial all hospitals use a screening tool device as well as educate on signs and symptoms of postpartum depression and anxiety.
Some of the other determinants with this population include mothers who speak English as their second language. To help with this issue in healthcare, the proper language of screening tools needs to be utilized as well as translators. Understanding cultural norms needs to also be addressed by taking the time to talk to the patient. A study I found discussed how African American and Latino women have a 35-67% higher prevalence of developing postpartum depression (Pao, et al, 2019). Another determinant and gap in healthcare for postpartum women is economics. I found an interesting article that talks about Medicaid and depression/anxiety medication coverage postpartum. The article illustrated how with Medicaid expansion postpartum, depression/ anxiety medication coverage helped increase treatment for postpartum depression (Steenland & Trivedi, 2023).
From the readings this week, qualitative and quantitative measures were described. Some examples of quantitative measures talked about, such as the electronic health record, could relate to my population by following patients who scored high on screening tools such as the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale scores for example (Curley, 2019). Qualitative measures discussed in this week’s readings described an idea called Community Advisory Boards which I feel could benefit my population (Curley, 2019). The Community Advisory Board involves a group of people such as case managers and nurses that meet and go over patient care. Telephonic calls to the patient specifically I think would tremendously benefit my population. For example, for patients who are at higher risk of developing postpartum depression such as those with a history of postpartum depression, a history of anxiety and or depression, scoring a high score on the EPDS, etc, could have healthcare personnel check in via telephone with these patients and go over education, discuss resources and schedule appointments. As future APRN’s it is crucial we help bridge the gaps for vulnerable populations!
