Nursing Midwifery Commons^™

Advancing Paternal Perinatal Mental Health: Integrating Qualitative Evidence, Theory, And Measurement Science, Rachael Elizabeth Schmitz

Nursing and Health Sciences

Aim: To advance understanding of paternal perinatal mental health through the integration of qualitative evidence, mid-range theory, and conceptual framework development.

Background: Existing scholarship largely emphasizes prevalence and symptom identification of paternal post partum depression, with limited integration of fathers lived experiences into theory development and assessment frameworks, and mental health nursing practice. Greater integration of qualitative evidence, theory, and measurement science may strengthen the recognition and assessment of paternal distress.

Methods & results: This integrative paper synthesizes findings from a phenomenological study of fathers with postpartum depression, the Reciprocal Adaptation in Postpartum Fathers mid-range nursing theory, and the P- …

Integrating Matrescence Into Birth Worker Practice: A Practice Improvement Project, Kelsey B. Green

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Projects

Background: Perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs) affect 20–25% of mothers worldwide and are a leading cause of maternal complications. Stigma, fragmented care, and limited provider training leave families vulnerable, while birth workers offer trusted, continuous support.

Problem: Birth workers' maternal mental health (MMH) training is minimal and often excludes matrescence, the developmental transition to motherhood, limiting their ability to distinguish normal adjustment from clinical PMADs and delaying intervention.

Methods: A single-group, pre-/post-test design evaluated a matrescence-informed workshop at Roots Community Health's 2nd Annual Symposium. Anonymous surveys measured knowledge, attitudes, and confidence, analyzed with Mann–Whitney U, Wilcoxon signed-rank tests, and …

Standardizing Care: Strengthening Dka Protocol Implementation Among Emergency Department Nurses, Toni Joy Angelique Biliran Miculob

Master's Projects and Capstones

Objective: The objective of this project was to address the inconsistent understanding and utilization of the Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA) protocol in a high-acuity emergency department within a large hospital system, where baseline survey results showed that 84% of nurses found the DKA order set confusing and only 15% felt “very comfortable” applying it.

Aim: The aim was to improve nurse clarity, confidence, and consistency in using the DKA protocol to support timely, evidence-based management of this high-risk, time-sensitive condition.

Methods: The intervention consisted of brief, targeted education delivered during pre-shift huddles across day and night shifts, focusing …

Matrescence: An Emerging Concept For Birth Worker Practice, Kelsey B. Green

DNP Qualifying Manuscripts

The maternal mental health (MMH) crisis, affecting up to 25% of birthing individuals, is exacerbated by significant gaps in perinatal support. While birth workers are uniquely positioned to provide care, they often lack specialized training beyond basic screening checklists to address the complex transition to motherhood, defined as matrescence. This clinical innovation proposal outlines a matrescence-informed educational curriculum, guided by the Comprehensive Model of Mental Health during the Perinatal Period. The intervention is designed to build tangible, implementable skills, training birth workers to: (1) operationalize matrescence as a psychoeducational tool to normalize distress; (2) use clinical differentiation to distinguish the …

Exploration Of The Cultural Beliefs, Values, And Practices Of African American/Black Women Or Birthing Persons Regarding Postpartum Depression: A Focused Ethnography, Stephanie Jacobs

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Introduction: Postpartum depression (PPD) is the most prevalent perinatal mental health illness in women, affecting approximately 10% to 20% of all women in the United States, and a disproportionately higher number of African American women. The aim of this study was to explore the cultural beliefs, values, and practices of African American/Black women or birthing persons regarding postpartum depression.

Research Question: What are the cultural beliefs, values, and practices of African American/Black women or birthing persons regarding postpartum depression?

Methodology: A focused ethnography was chosen for this study and consisted of semi-structured interviews. Data was transcribed and analyzed …

Experiences Of Women In The Labour Room: The Untold Story, Emmanuel Dziwornu, Belinda Kpodo, Ophelia Anarfi, Enyonam Afi Adzato, Anita Fafa Dartey

Patient Experience Journal

Background: Childbirth experiences are some of the most sensitive indicators of the utilisation of health facilities. Women who go through the child-birthing process are reported to be faced with a range of experiences. Aim: This study described women's experiences in the labour room. Methods: The study employed a qualitative research approach with a descriptive design. Purposive sampling was used in this study and data saturation was reached after the 18^th participant. In-depth interviews were used to obtain information from recently delivered women. Interviews were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim. Thematic content analysis (TCA) was done and the results were …

Evaluating Referral Rates For Positive Postpartum Depression Screenings At Telehealth And Well-Child Visits: A Scoping Review, Rachel Macklin Barber, Mph, Bsn, Rn, Damaris Amber Brooks, Bsn, Rn, Ashli-Emeria Gary, Bsn, Rn, Margaret Harvey, Phd, Acnp-Bc, Chfn, Kate Fouquier Phd, Aprn, Cnm, Pmh-C, Facnm

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Purpose/Background

Postpartum depression (PPD) affects one in nine women. It has distressing impacts, including behavioral and attachment issues and toveruse of healthcare services. PPD occurs within 4 weeks to 12 months postpartum. A scoping review was conducted to compare referral rates to mental health providers after PPD screenings were conducted via telehealth versus those completed at well-child visits.

Methods

Peer-reviewed articles published within five years before the initial search, beginning September 2022 and ending November 2024, were selected. Articles were sourced from several publications using an online library database with various MeSH terms and Boolean operators. Search results were narrowed …

Perinatal Mood And Anxiety Disorders (Pmads): A Scoping Review, Christina Willis Bsn, Rn, Nia Wells Bsn, Rn, Miranda Smith Bsn, Rn, Kate Fouquier Cnm, Phd, Facnm

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Purpose/Background Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders (PMADs), including postpartum depression, anxiety, and psychosis, significantly impact maternal and infant health. This scoping review consolidates current literature on PMADs, emphasizing prevalence, risk factors, screening, and treatment. The primary aim is to identify research gaps and inform clinical guidelines to enhance perinatal care.

Methods A literature search followed PRISMA guidelines from August 2022 to November 2024. Databases searched included PubMed, CINAHL, Scopus, and Google Scholar, using terms such as "perinatal mood disorders" and "maternal mental health." Inclusion criteria were English-language studies from the past decade addressing PMADs during pregnancy and up to one …

Improving Perinatal Outcomes With The Mood Disorder Questionnaire: A Quality Improvement Project To Increase Identification And Referral, Elizabeth R. Bargardo

Master's Theses and Capstones

Abstract

Background: Perinatal mental health is a growing concern, with under identification and lack of access to mental health as contributing factors. Screening tools such as the Mood Disorder Questionnaire are one way to increase identification of patients at risk for bipolar-spectrum disorders and subsequent postpartum psychosis and initiate referrals to appropriate mental health services.

Local Problem: One outpatient women’s health center has a 94% screening rate for the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Score (EPDS) for anxiety and depression but has not implemented a screening for bipolar disorder. In addition, while approximately one in five perinatal patients struggles with a mental …

Telehealth: A Rising Intervention For Latina Mothers Experiencing Prenatal And Postpartum Depression, Britney Gutierrez

Nursing | Student Research Posters

Abstract: Background: Postpartum depression (PPD) is high among Latina women but often goes unrecognized and untreated. Recognition and management of PPD in this population is crucial as PPD contributes to negative health effects on the mother and infant. Purpose: This research aims to look into telehealth to improve screening methods and treatment for Latina mothers through a Spanish mobile health application that will provide screening and education on PPD. Method: This mixed-method quality improvement study will include 300 participants from an OB-GYN and Pediatrics community clinic, > 18 years old, of Hispanic/Latino ethnicity, Spanish speaking, currently pregnant, or had a child …

Epds-Us (English), Sara W. Moyer, Patricia Kinser

School of Nursing Publications

How we talk about perinatal mental health matters, even in the minute details of words on screening forms. Any shifts towards removing barriers to screening, reducing stigma, encouraging disclosures, raising awareness related to symptom prevalence and the breadth symptom related experiences, and creating opportunities for connecting with support and care are essential.

In the EPDS-US, we have adapted the wording of the original Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), using a respectful care and trauma-informed approach with a focus on optimizing patient experiences and clinical utility while maintaining reliability and validity of the 10 item scale. Many individuals report feelings of …

Telehealth: A Rising Intervention For Latina Mothers Experiencing Prenatal And Postpartum Depression, Britney Gutierrez

Nursing | Senior Theses

Background: Postpartum depression (PPD) is high among Latina women but often goes unrecognized and untreated. Recognition and management of PPD in this population is crucial as PPD contributes to negative health effects on the mother and infant. Purpose: This research aims to look into telehealth to improve screening methods and treatment for Latina mothers through a Spanish mobile health application that will provide screening and education on PPD. Method: This mixed-method quality improvement study will include 300 participants from an OB-GYN and Pediatrics community clinic, > 18 years old, of Hispanic/Latino ethnicity, Spanish speaking, currently pregnant, or had a child within …

Using The 4ms Framework To Prevent Falls, Gina L. Edgeworth

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Scholarly Projects - Archive

Hospital falls are rising in inpatient facilities, requiring analysis and a plan of action to address the ongoing falls. A strategy taken among facilities is implementing a 4Ms Framework that allows the nurse to address what matters to the patient and assess their mentation, medications, and mobility upon admission. With an increase in falls on a med-surg unit, it was found that there was no straightforward process for addressing the needs and concerns of patients and no assessment of medications, mobility, or mentation for those aged 65 years and older. This knowledge gap prevents nurses from providing a structured framework …

Pandemic Paradox: A Mixed Methods Study Unmasking The Impact Of Covid-19 On Australia's Nursing And Midwifery Workforce Job Satisfaction And Retention, Laura Lillian Hynes

Theses

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has seen an outpouring of attention focusing on the global nursing and midwifery shortage and its damaging impact on healthcare systems worldwide. However, there is limited research, both globally and in Australia, on its impact on nurses’ and midwives’ job satisfaction and their associated intentions to stay or leave their job and/or profession, as a result. The lack of extensive research in this area highlights the importance of this Doctoral thesis. My research aimed to fill this gap by conducting a detailed study of the personal experiences of nurses and midwives who worked during the pandemic …

Implementation Of A Postpartum Depression Screening Protocol, Samantha Abercrombie

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Background: Postpartum depression (PPD) is a major depressive disorder that can occur after having a baby and anytime during the first year postpartum (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2021). Symptoms of PPD may include anger, crying more than usual, withdrawing from family, inability to bond with the baby, feelings of anxiousness, or thoughts of the mother harming herself or the baby. PPD can yield many challenges and hinder daily living activities. Recent research by the CDC (2021) estimates that 1 in 8 women experience manifestations of PPD. Findings also suggest that 1 in 5 women were not …

Postpartum Depression For Mothers With Early Fetal Death Or Stillbirths, Callie Goldman

Symposium of Student Scholars

Background: Many times, prevention of early fetus death and stillbirths is possible; however, some mortality events are spontaneous or unavoidable. While existing research reveals the likelihood of postpartum depression for mothers following birth, few studies address the potential for postpartum depression of mothers of stillbirth or demised fetuses. The purpose of this study is to determine how mothers can be better prepared for the hardship of losing a baby during childbirth, while going through common difficulties, such as postpartum depression, following birth. Methods: A mixed method approach will be conducted to gather qualitative (interview) and quantitative (Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale …

The Effects Of Exercise And Nursing Care On Postpartum Depression, Greyson Whaley

Epsilon Sigma at-Large Research Conference

Abstract

Introduction and Background: According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2020), “postpartum depression is depression that occurs after having a baby which is more intense and lasts longer than those of “baby blues,” a term used to describe the worry, sadness, and tiredness many women experience after having a baby.” It also states, “1 in 8 women report symptoms of depression after giving birth, about 1 in 5 (20%) women were not asked about depression during a prenatal visit, and over half (50%) of pregnant women with depression were not treated.”

Purpose Statement: The purpose of this …

Adolescent Mothers And Kangaroo Mother Care: A Scoping Review, Genna K. Rivers, Robin B. Dail Phd, Rn, Faan, Robin Dawson Phd, Rn, Cpnp-Pc

Senior Theses

Kangaroo mother care (KMC), the practice in which mothers hold their infants skin-to-skin against their bare chest, can increase bonding and attachment between mothers and their infants. However, there is not much research on the benefits of KMC within the adolescent or teen mother population (13-19 years old). The purpose of this scoping review was to identify how common KMC is within the teen mother population, determine how KMC varies based on social determinants of health and race/ethnicity within the adolescent mother population, and how KMC impacts adolescent mothers’ maternal attachment and bonding with their infants. PubMed and CINAHL databases …

A Performance Improvement Project To Improve Hand-Off Communication Documentation Within The Surgical Services Department, Bobbie J. Wich, Millie Escalona, Judy E. Bowling, Ana L. Santos

Nursing & Health Sciences Research Journal

Over 80% of adverse events in healthcare are due to miscommunication. To improve patient safety, The Joint Commission recommended the use of standardized hand-off communication tools in 2012. One acute care hospital in Southeast Florida implemented standardized handoff reports in 2014 with few revisions since that time. The COVID-19 pandemic brought to light additional critical information was needed to keep patients and staff safe, such as laboratory results indicating the need for isolation precautions. The nurses within the surgical services noticed this critical information was not sufficiently included in the handoff report. The lack of this information led to unnecessary …

Bedside Shift Reporting: A Benchmark Project, Clydea C. Hale

MSN Capstone Projects

Patient care is forever changing to improve satisfaction, safety, and overall treatment. Over the past few years, patients and their families are more invested in their overall care in the hospital and expect to be informed every step of the way. A common complaint from patients or their families is that one nurse or staff did not know the individuals care or treatment plan, there were no shift goals to work toward discharge, and the nurse did not update the patient/family with changes in care. All of these complaints along with the patient satisfaction scores and communication between the treatment …

Empowering Nurses Of Minority In The Face Of Incivility And Bullying: Through The Lens Of Phenomenology, Corrine Floyd

Dissertations

Abstract

Up to 85% of nurses have reported exposure to incivility in the workplace (Hunt & Marini, 2012). The often-subtle nature of incivility toward nurses in a minority population may partially explain why it remains a problem. Healthcare organizations realize the need for civility to counter the high turnover rate, staff shortages, and low job satisfaction reported by nurses, but lack understanding of how nurses of a minority population perceive incivility and bullying. This study aimed to answer the research question how do nurses with minority representation experience incivility and bullying versus empowerment in the workplace? A descriptive phenomenological design …

Nurses’ Reported Use Of Therapeutic Interventions Surrounding A Stillbirth Event, Sonya Woo

Nursing | Senior Theses

Psychological alterations and therapeutic interventions utilized for mothers who have suffered a stillbirth have been assessed and addressed in prior literature. This researcher reviewed ten articles highlighting the depression, grief, guilt, stress and concerns that can arise and interventions that were initiated within weeks immediately following stillbirth, during the time of a subsequent pregnancy, and a few years after having a subsequent child. An increased utilization of healthcare and health care provider presence have shown to positively influence the psychological effects of stillbirth. This researcher looked into the frequency and variety of which these interventions are being implemented in a …

The Effectiveness Of Psychotherapy In The Treatment Of Postpartum Depression, Elisa De Feo

Grace Peterson Nursing Research Colloquium

ABSTRACT

Background: Suicide is the second leading cause of death in postpartum women making it a major health priority. Lack of diagnosis, recognition of symptoms, and proactive treatment of postpartum depression (PPD) can lead to devastating effects on the mother and child such as harm or death. The intervention of psychotherapy is recommended as a first line treatment for PPD and is a means by which PPD can be reduced or avoided altogether. This integrative literature review seeks to discover if there is an opportune time in which to initiate psychotherapy interventions in order to reduce or prevent PPD development …

Just Culture: It's More Than Policy, Linda Ann Paradiso, Nancy Sweeney

Publications and Research

Any healthcare organization’s top priority is effective and safe care. Despite this, medical error is the third-leading cause of death in the US. Hospitals are imperfect systems where nurses have competing demands and are forced to improvise and develop workarounds. Errors rarely occur in a vacuum, rather they’re a sequence of events with multiple opportunities for correction. Clinical nurses can have a significant impact on reducing errors due to their proximity to patients. When errors are identified, the events and impact on safe care need to be shared. Just culture is a safe haven that supports reporting. In a just …

What’S In A Name: Performance Improvement, Evidence-Based Practice, And Research?, Andrea Prentiss, Eve Butler

Nursing & Health Sciences Research Journal

No abstract provided.

College Students, Experiences On Smart Phone Technology Usage: A Qualitative Content Analysis Study, Fatemeh Jafarzadeh-Kenarsari, Parand Pourghane

The Qualitative Report

Besides many benefits of the cell phone technology, numerous arguments are raised on the different and important negative effects of such a technology. This qualitative content analysis study explored the common usages of smart phone technology, its challenges, and benefits among Iranian college students. Participants were 32 bachelor degree students who were recruited using purposive sampling method with maximum variation. Data were collected through 11 individual semi-structured interviews and 3 focus group discussions (5-8 students in each group). Data analysis was done based on a conventional content analysis approach. Data analysis resulted in 3 main themes and 12 sub-themes. The …

I’M A Big Kid Now: Enhancing Transition Rn Residents’ Confidence During Pediatric Patient Care, Emily W. Lam

Master's Projects and Capstones

The title of the clinical nurse leader project is “I’m a Big Kid Now: Enhancing Transition RN Residents’ Confidence During Pediatric Patient Care”. The project aims to improve the support components for Transition RN residents during their Transition RN Residency at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles. The clinical leadership theme that correlates to this project is communication. The clinical nurse leader’s role is to act as an educator and a facilitator throughout this project. In examining the clinical nurse leader competencies, competencies “use performance measures to assess and improve the delivery of evidence-based practices and promote outcomes that demonstrate delivery of …

Rural Nebraska Women's Explanatory Models Of Postpartum Depressive Symptomatology, Elizabeth Mollard

Theses & Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to construct the explanatory models of postpartum depressive symptomatology (PPDS) from the perspective of rural Nebraska women and to compare these models with the medical model of PPDS. A sample of 20 rural Nebraska women were interviewed in a one-on-one qualitative descriptive telephone interview using questions based on Kleinman’s (1980) explanatory model of illness. This study used feminist pragmatism as a guiding philosophical paradigm. Qualitative data were analyzed using content analysis, and results were compared and contrasted with the medical model of PPDS, which included the onset, symptoms, and duration listed in the DSM-5 …

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder And Mindfulness Practice In Children And Adolescents: A Comprehensive Review Of Evidence-Based Research, Donna Nikander

Doctoral Projects

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is the most common mental illness in the United States among male and female children and adolescents between the ages of 3 and 17. The emerging fields of neurobiology and neuroimaging have proposed a relationship between mindfulness meditation therapies—initially referred to as mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) and now simply known as mindfulness—and improvements in attention and self-regulation, two major problem areas for ADHD sufferers. Furthermore, recent studies suggest that mindfulness therapies may be effective in reducing symptoms of ADHD in children and adolescents. The purpose of this paper is to review, analyze and synthesize the …

Grief Pathways After Perinatal Loss On The Metaphorical Journey Of Loss, Jennifer Marie Jonely

Boise State University Theses and Dissertations

A study using qualitative descriptive methodology was done to learn of the decision pathways that mothers experiencing six types of perinatal loss recall making during their experiences of loss. Five participants describe their experience as they recall decisions within their journeys of miscarriage, stillbirth, fetal malformation; one carrying to term by choice (perinatal palliative care), the other terminating, a neonatal death and a SIDS death. Effort was made to understand specific available choices these mothers remember making along with their recollected experience of what was helpful and what was not helpful as they were navigating those choices. Exploring the experiences …