A Quality-Improvement Project to Improve Diagnosis and Management of Chorioamnionitis on Labor and Delivery [A274]

Abstract

Perinatal Depression Screening (EPDS), Personal Health Questionnaire (PHQ) 2 and 9, demographics, and psychiatric history. Screening rates and incidence of mood disorders were compared between preand intra-COVID-19 cohorts. RESULTS:Of the 850 women included, 43.5% (n5370) were screened during perinatal visits and 49.8% (n5424) postpartum. Screenings were completed more frequently during postpartum checks pre-COVID-19 compared to during the pandemic with PHQ-2 (27.4% vs. 16.1%, P5.0001) and PHQ-9 (10.3% vs. 5.4%, P5.011). More women screened positive for depression at perinatal checks during the pandemic compared to pre-pandemic (13.2% vs. 4.7%, P5.0377). CONCLUSION:The COVID-19 pandemic has affected rates of maternal depression screening and has significant mental health impacts on this population. This study reveals baseline rates of screening in perinatal and postpartum visits at our institution, which is critical to delivery of quality care. This information will help inform strategies to increase rates of screening and ensure that mental health needs are being addressed, especially in times of emergency.