NURS FPX 6026 Assessment 2 Biopsychosocial Population Health Policy Proposal EZ Biopsychosocial Population Health Policy Proposal NURS FPX 6026 Assessment 2 Biopsychosocial Population Health Policy Proposal EZ

 

In the United States, the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) is the most used tool for PPD. The screening tools developed to assess for PPD were created based on symptoms that were displayed by predominantly white women in most studies. Women of color can display different signs and symptoms of PPD compared to those of white women as they have experience different challenges related to race. While EPDS is helpful in assessing Latinas for PPD, incorporating a community health worker (CHW). 

CHWs are respected and active in the community. CHWs typically share a common identity with members of their community either culture, language or socioeconomic status (Early et al., 2016). CHWs often serve as liaisons between the community and healthcare systems in the area. Adding a CHW to the interprofessional team to assist with PPD education and to partner with the clinicians to identify symptoms of PPD in Latinas is the proposed policy to increase quality of care of expectant Latina mothers.

Proposed Policy 

The goal of adding a CHW to the interprofessional team is to improve the identification and treatment of PPD in low resource Latina expectant mothers. CHWs partner with providers to fully assess Latina expectant mothers for depressive symptoms. Using a patient centered approach, CHWs will connect at risk Latinas with healthcare resources specific to their needs (Lutenbacher et al., 2018). 

CHWs should be women from the local area of the same race, culture, and language. They should have strong problem solving and communication skills.  CHWs should be familiar with resources within the area and how to access those resources. CHWs in Latino communities target a variety of health problems, provide health education, and help families navigate systems. Studies have shown rates of depressive symptoms between 20 and 38% in samples of Latino women in Florida, California, and Massachusetts (Lutenbacher et al., 2018). Left untreated, depression can have significant consequences for the woman and impact her ability to effectively bond with her newborn. 

Interprofessional Approach

The CHWs will be integrated with the obstetrics office and will be referred to Latina mothers by the obstetrician or primary nurse if the patient scores 8 or greater on the EPDS assessment. The CHWs will provide expectant mothers with needed services by collaborating with physicians, social workers, counselors, and lactation consultants. During the third trimester, the CHW will meet with the expectant mothers to complete the EPDS, discuss readiness plan and identify support for after birth. The CHW will work with clinic staff to arrange postpartum appointments six weeks later and connect with the expectant mothers either at home or telephonically to check on their wellbeing. The benefits of continued outreach by the CHWs include a connection to health care providers for maternal or neonatal clinical concerns, psychosocial support, assistance with social determinants of health, and to identify any possible symptoms of PPD (Lutenbacher et al., 2018).