Implementation of perinatal mental health screening for parents of infants in a level IV neonatal intensive care unit: A quality improvement initiative.

Abstract

Objective: We aimed to establish standardized perinatal mental health (PMH) screening performed by social workers for parents in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) at 1, 2, 4, and 6 months, increasing screening rates from 0% to 70% within 6 months.

Study design: Baseline data evaluated informal PMH assessments. Primary measure was percent of parents screened and was monitored by statistical process control charts. Process measures were percent of parents with scores above threshold for referral for further evaluation and/or treatment, appropriately referred, and declining screening. Balancing measures were negative perceptions of screening.

Results: The centerline for screening rate was 80% for mothers and 72% for partners. Screening increased concerns detected beyond 1 month from 12 to 60. Concerns representing partners increased from 3/52 (6%) to 18/60 (30%).

Conclusion: Standardized NICU PMH screening improved identification of PMH concerns beyond the first weeks of admission for both mothers and partners.