1 April 2005
Registered Nurses Association of Ontario - Professional Association
Summary,

GUIDELINE OBJECTIVE(S)

To present nursing best practice guidelines for the confirmation, prevention, and treatment of mothers with depressive symptoms in the first postpartum year

TARGET POPULATION

Women with or at risk of postpartum depression

INTERVENTIONS AND PRACTICES CONSIDERED

Evaluation/Risk Assessment

1. Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS)
2. Assessment for self harm ideation/behaviour

Prevention

1. Psychosocial and psychological interventions including supportive home visits, antenatal and postnatal classes, lay home visits, early postpartum follow-up by family physicians, midwifery-led debriefing, and continuity of care provided by midwives.

Management/Treatment

1. Provide supportive weekly interactions, using non-directive counseling
2. Facilitate peer support
3. Facilitate family involvement in care
4. Promote self-care activities

MAJOR OUTCOMES CONSIDERED

* Risk and rates of postpartum depression
* Morbidity associated with postpartum depression
* Reliability of the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) at identifying women with depressive symptoms
* Effectiveness of interventions at reducing or preventing symptoms of postpartum depression