Abstract
Purpose—To assess nurses' views of a nursing model in which nurses screen and also treat new
mothers who exhibit symptoms of depression.
Study Design and Methods—This is Part 1 of this descriptive survey (Part 2 in MCN 35(4)), in
which nurses (n=520) completed a statewide survey assessing nurses' views of a model of nursing
care which both screens and treats postpartum depression.
Results—The majority “strongly agreed” or “agreed” with the statement “having nurses screen for
depression using a brief screening tool is a good idea”. Most (67.1%) chose the Ob-Gyn Clinic as
the appropriate site for such screening. Regarding treatment by nurses, the vast majority of nurses
(93.7%) “agreed” or “strongly agreed” with the statement “nurse-delivered counseling with mildly
depressed women is a good idea.” Almost one-half of the nurses already regularly provided some
form of counseling and approximately three quarters were willing to participate in a counseling skills
training program. Less than 1.0% (n=3) indicated that nurse-delivered counseling should not be
implemented. The most frequently chosen setting for a nurse-delivered counseling program was
home visits (70.6%, n=367).
Clinical Implications—Our results indicate nurse-delivered screening and treatment of
postpartum women is overwhelmingly supported by this segment of US nursing professionals, and
indeed, is already occurring in many instances. Nurses who have frequent contact with women during
the perinatal period are well positioned to provide screening and treatment for PPD. To implement
the 2 part UK model (both screening and treatment), it is necessary to develop educational programs
for staff and patients, and establish screening and treatment protocols as well as referral resources
for those with such a need.