Implementing a standardized screening protocol for parental depression, anxiety, and PTSD symptoms in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

Angelica Moreyra; LaTrice L Dowtin; Maria Ocampo; Emily Perez; Tonyanna C Borkovi; Emily Wharton; Stephanie Simon; Erin G Armer; Richard J Shaw

doi:10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2020.105279

Implementing a standardized screening protocol for parental depression, anxiety, and PTSD symptoms in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

Early Hum Dev. 2021 Mar:154:105279. doi: 10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2020.105279. Epub 2020 Nov 16.

Authors

Angelica Moreyra¹, LaTrice L Dowtin², Maria Ocampo³, Emily Perez⁴, Tonyanna C Borkovi⁵, Emily Wharton⁶, Stephanie Simon⁷, Erin G Armer⁸, Richard J Shaw⁹

Affiliations

¹ Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA; Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, USA. Electronic address: [email protected].
² Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, USA; PlayfulLeigh Psyched, LLC, Hyattsville, MD, USA. Electronic address: [email protected].
³ PGSP-Stanford Psy.D. Consortium, Palo Alto University, Palo Alto, CA, USA. Electronic address: [email protected].
⁴ Lucile Packard Children's Hospital, Palo Alto, CA, USA. Electronic address: [email protected].
⁵ Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, USA. Electronic address: [email protected].
⁶ PGSP-Stanford Psy.D. Consortium, Palo Alto University, Palo Alto, CA, USA. Electronic address: [email protected].
⁷ PGSP-Stanford Psy.D. Consortium, Palo Alto University, Palo Alto, CA, USA. Electronic address: [email protected].
⁸ Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, USA. Electronic address: [email protected].
⁹ Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, USA. Electronic address: [email protected].

PMID: 33339676
DOI: 10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2020.105279

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to describe the development of a standardized screening program for parents of infants in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and to assess its implementation. The standardized screening protocol assessed parental mental health symptoms including depression, anxiety and trauma. Screening began at 14 days post NICU admission and was implemented as part of routine medical care for all caregivers with infants admitted to the NICU at two weeks of age. Screenings were facilitated by pediatric social workers and psychology postdoctoral fellows and included review of critical self-harm items. A total of 158 parents ages 18-42 years (mean = 31.04) were eligible for screening, with 150 completed screenings. Positive screens on any of the three measures resulted in a mental health referral. Approximately 27% of parents had a positive screen that resulted in a mental health referral. The standardized screening protocol was found to be feasible, widely accepted, and effective in establishing referrals for in house mental health services. This model can be used as an example to help other NICUs implement their own universal screening protocols.

Keywords: Anxiety; NICU; PTSD; Postpartum depression; Standardized screening.

Publication types

Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

Adolescent
Adult
Anxiety / diagnosis
Child
Depression / diagnosis
Humans
Infant
Infant, Newborn
Intensive Care Units, Neonatal*
Parents
Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic* / diagnosis
Young Adult