The Role of Organizational Factors in Nurses’ Perceived Preparedness to Screen, Intervene and Refer in Cases of Suspected Postpartum Depression

Routine screening for postpartum depression (PPD) is widespread, yet little attention has been given to the perceived preparedness of health providers to perform screening procedures, or to the role of organizational factors in their preparedness, although these are crucial elements for optimal implementation. The aim of this study was to examine organizational factors associated with public health nurses’ (PHNs) perceived preparedness to screen women for PPD, intervene, and refer them in cases of suspected PPD. Two hundred and nineteen PHNs completed a self-report survey regarding their perceived preparedness to carry out a screening program (including screening, intervening, and referring women), and their perceived organizational support, supervisor’s support, colleagues’ support, and colleagues’ preparedness. A path analysis model was used to analyze the data. The results showed that perceived colleagues’ preparedness was significantly associated with the three perceived preparedness constructs (screen, intervene, and refer). Perceived supervisor’s support was positively associated with perceived preparedness to screen, and perceived organizational support was positively associated with perceived preparedness to intervene. This paper highlights the manner in which formal and informal organizational factors play an important role in the perceived preparedness of PHNs to carry out a PPD screening program, and how these factors impact the three different aspects of the screening program. Organizations implementing PPD screening should support PHNs in all aspects of the implementation process, provide guidance, and enhance peer-group continued learning through which PHNs could share knowledge, discuss barriers, and foster professional development.