Abstract

Postpartum depression (PPD) affects approximately one in seven women in the United States and poses significant risks to maternal well being and infant development. Despite routine use of the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) shortly after childbirth, gaps persist in consistent follow up, early detection, and timely referral particularly during the vulnerable period between hospital discharge and the four to six week postpartum visit. This quality improvement project implemented patient navigator services to strengthen continuity of care and enhance early recognition of PPD. Guided by Cheryl Beck’s Modified Grounded Theory of PPD, “Teetering on the Edge,” and her middle range theory of traumatic childbirth, the project emphasized the emotional instability many mothers experience and the far reaching effects of unaddressed postpartum distress. The intervention included structured follow up phone calls at multiple intervals post discharge, brief mood screenings, education on PPD symptoms, and resource guidance. Nursing staff received education to promote consistency in screening and referral practices, and both patients and staff completed post intervention surveys to evaluate effectiveness.

A total of 29 participants were recruited, with 13 completing the full follow up process. Patient navigator services proved effective in identifying depressive symptoms and facilitating referrals, with 15% of participants requiring provider follow up based on EPDS scores. Notably, fathers frequently engaged in the calls, demonstrating the broader family impact of postpartum mental health support. Survey results showed unanimous patient support for continuing the service and strong staff endorsement of its value. Findings highlight the importance of integrating patient navigation into routine postpartum care, reinforcing staff education, and engaging significant others in early detection efforts. This project supports broader adoption of patient navigator models to promote equitable, timely, and patient centered postpartum mental health care.

Author Details

Jennifer Michelle Hall, DNP, RN, CLC - 19 years nursing experience in neonatal and maternal health nursing

Gail W. Salter, DNP, RN - 32 years nursing experience in medical-surgical, pediatrics, and mental health nursing

Sigma Membership

Gamma Eta

Type

DNP Capstone Project

Format Type

Text-based Document

Study Design/Type

Quality Improvement

Research Approach

Pilot/Exploratory Study

Keywords:

Postpartum Depression, Traumatic Childbirth, Patient Navigator, Patient Navigation, Postpartum Depression--Prevention and Control, Health Screening, Referral and Consultation, Continuity of Patient Care

Advisor

Ellen Buckner

Second Advisor

Naomi Ellison

Degree

DNP

Degree Grantor

Samford University

Degree Year

2026

Rights Holder

All rights reserved by the author(s) and/or publisher(s) listed in this item record unless relinquished in whole or part by a rights notation or a Creative Commons License present in this item record. All permission requests should be directed accordingly and not to the Sigma Repository. All submitting authors or publishers have affirmed that when using material in their work where they do not own copyright, they have obtained permission of the copyright holder prior to submission and the rights holder has been acknowledged as necessary.

Review Type

None: Degree-based Submission

Acquisition

Self-submission

Date of Issue

2026-05-20

Full Text of Presentation

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Additional Files

Abstract.pdf (354 kB)

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