Development and Evaluation of a Clinical Nursing Practice Guideline for Prevention of Postpartum Depression in the Community of Lak Hok Sub-District, Muang District, Pathumthani Province

Abstract

          This research aimed to develop clinical nursing practice guidelines (CNPG) for the prevention of postpartum depression. The conceptual framework was based on 4 phases of the Soukup model (2000), which consist of 1) Evidence–triggered phase - explored and identified problems. 2) Evidence supported phase - draft of CNPG was validated t by experts. Contents of CNPG consisted of 2.1) Screening risk factors of postpartum depression and diagnosis 2.2) Nursing intervention in pregnancy stage and postpartum stage. 2.3) Evaluation of postpartum depression by The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) tool every 4 weeks, 8 weeks, and 12 weeks 2.4) Referral for a consultation with the physician who assessed postpartum depression 3) Evidence observed phase - implemented a pilot study involving 20 postpartum women, 10 pregnant women, and 2 nurses. 4) Evidence-based phase - trialed the use of CNPG in Primary health care and presented teamwork.

         The results of the pilot study revealed that the CNPG has 100 percent quality and reliability, and most of the women involved in the study had an increase in the mean score of knowledge to prevent postpartum depression to 100% and behaviors for preventing postpartum depression were 100 %. It was also found that 100% of them had a high level of satisfaction with the family and nurses involved.