Date

Fall 2022

Document Type

Scholarly Project

Department

College of Nursing

First Advisor

Suzanne Sutton

Abstract

Problem Statement: Postpartum depression (PPD) is a major depressive disorder that is the most common complication following childbirth, occurring in about 16% of new mothers (Berns et al., 2021). Mothers with infants in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) are 40% more likely to develop PPD but are not typically screened for this complication (Berns et al., 2021; Cherry et al., 2016; Garfield et al., 2021). Implementing a PPD screening protocol in the NICU could help increase the detection of PPD in this population but would first require an evaluation of organizational readiness to ensure sustainability. Purpose: The purpose of this evidence-based practice project is to determine NICU staff's perceived organizational readiness for implementing a formal PPD screening and referral protocol. Methods: Nurses and social workers in the NICU of an acute care hospital were asked to complete a pre-test about PPD and screening practices, a training video on PPD and a proposed screening protocol, a post-test, and an organizational readiness for implementing change (ORIC) survey to determine their readiness for implementing this proposed change. Analysis: Descriptive analysis was used to analyze participant characteristics, total ORIC scores, and scores for each subscale (change commitment and change efficacy). A paired t-test was used to compared pre and post-test scores. Implications for Practice: Implementing a readiness tool can help to ensure effective organizational change.

Rights

© 2022, Deanna L Suber

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