An Evidence-Based Protocol for Optimal Screening and Treatment of Antenatal Depression: A Best Practice Approach

Abstract

The purpose of this thesis was to develop a best practice protocol for the nursing care of pregnant women with antenatal depression. Approximately 11% of obstetrical clients experience antenatal depression at some point during their pregnancy (Banti et al., 2011). The periods associated with the highest incidence of depressive symptoms are the first and third trimesters (Bowen, Bowen, Butt, Rahman, & Muhajarine, 2012). In spite of the high occurrence of antenatal depression, many women go undiagnosed (Banti et al., 2011). Many of the pregnant women confirmed to be depressed do not receive treatment (Segre, McCabe, Stasik, O'Hara, & Arndt, 2012). This is in large part due to various barriers such as cost and lack of accessibility, an issue that nurses can help to overcome (Segre et al., 2012; Segre, Stasik, O'Hara, Arndt, 2010). Evidence-based interventions were proposed in the paper and include: depression screening among pregnant women in addition to treatment through home visits and partner involvement will provide an accessible form of nursing care. A proposed plan for implementation and evaluation were also discussed.