Targeting intervention: Using hand-held electronic devices to screen women at risk for postpartum depression

In 2006, New Jersey mandated that all new mothers must be screened for postpartum depression prior to discharge from the birthing facility and at postpartum visits. The New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services provided funding for regional projects to support statewide efforts to comply with this mandate and the Southern New Jersey Perinatal Cooperative (SNJPC) developed a comprehensive program of postpartum depression support services in three pilot areas. One of these services is an electronic based approach to postpartum depression screening in ambulatory obstetrical practices.

Participating obstetrical practices in the three pilot sites agreed to have postpartum patients use a specially programmed hand held device to complete the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale. SNJPC staff provided on-site training and ongoing technical support to practitioners and office staff . Notification of positive screen results (scores of 12 or greater and/or a positive response to question 10) are transmitted directly to a certified counselor at SNJPC. The counselor contacts the patient by phone, conducts an assessment and provides follow-up to assure that she is linked to free, professionally facilitated support groups at local hospitals, and to a specially trained behavioral health provider for psychotherapy services if needed. If an immediate appointment is needed and not available, the patient is referred to a sub-contracted behavioral health “bridge” service for support. A status report is sent to the obstetric provider by SNJPC staff after services are in place.