66. Using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale when screening for postnatal depression: The views of health professionals (155)

Helen Poole, Senior Lecturer, Faculty of Science, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, United Kingdom
Co author: Linda Mason
h.m.poole@ljmu.ac.uk

Abstract:

Postnatal Depression (PND) is a serious condition that impacts not only the sufferer, but can impair their relationships with others and negatively effect the cognitive and emotional development of their children. In primary care, fewer than half the cases of PND are detected (Hearn et al., 1998) and the use of screening tools has been advocated. The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS)(Cox et al., 1987) is the most widely used of these. The acceptability of the EPDS when screening for PND has been examined from the perspective of mothers, but to date, the views of health professionals’ in this context have not been considered. The current qualitative study aimed to address this issue. In-depth interviews were conducted with 19 health professionals to ascertain their views on PND and use of the EPDS. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (Smith, 1996). Major themes to emerge from the data were: training in using the EPDS, incorporating the tool into practice; difficulties in its use, and variations in screening practice. The EPDS was seen as useful by informants, but this was primarily in the context of its utility for opening up discussion around PND. Some limitations of the EPDS were evident. In particular these related to item content, and specifically the item on self harm. Variance from the Primary Care Trusts PND pathway and National guidelines were evident, with workload pressures frequently cited as the primary reason for this. Based on these results recommendations for changes in organisation and individual practice were made.