Developing a Comprehensive Program Plan for Postpartum Mental Health Assessment and Follow-Up Care

This Doctor of Nursing Practice project was an executive leadership proposal to develop an evidence-based program plan for standardized postpartum mental health screening and structured referral processes within an obstetric clinic. The practice problem was inconsistent postpartum mental health screening and follow up. Internal organizational data demonstrated elevated no-show and cancellation rates among obstetric patients referred for mental health services, reflecting gaps in care coordination, particularly for rural and underserved populations. The purpose of this project was to develop a comprehensive program plan guided by the following practice-focused question: Will a standardized postpartum mental health screening and structured referral program improve consistency in screening and follow-up care for postpartum patients within an obstetric clinic? Analytic strategies included review of baseline organizational data and synthesis of peer-reviewed evidence. The major product of this project was a comprehensive, evidence-based program plan outlining standardized screening workflows, structured referral pathways, staff training recommendations, evaluation metrics, and an implementation framework. The implications for nursing practice are that this initiative establishes clear, consistent processes that enable nurses to confidently screen, identify, document, and coordinate care for postpartum mental health needs as part of routine clinical workflows. Anticipated outcomes include improved screening consistency, increased referral completion, strengthened continuity of care, and positive social change through equitable access to postpartum mental health services, reinforcing nursing leadership in systems-level practice improvement.