Purpose: To assess whether a mobile app improves OBGYN residents’ understanding of perinatal depression.
Background: Perinatal depression has a significant impact on maternal and fetal well-being; suicide is a leading cause of maternal mortality. OBGYN providers, including residents, are a first line of defense for recognizing and treating perinatal depression.
Methods: OBGYN residents completed a survey about confidence and experience with perinatal depression, and a pre-test assessing clinical knowledge and decision-making. Residents then downloaded Lifeline4Moms, an app providing perinatal depression decision support. Using the app, residents completed an identical post-test, and were surveyed about app use.
Results: Twenty-two residents completed the study. Residents agreed that recognizing (96%) and treating (86%) perinatal depression is their responsibility; however, fewer felt confident in their ability to diagnose (76%) and treat (41%) it. Fewer than half (46%) felt confident in interpreting an Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Score and acting accordingly. Few residents regularly referred patients for counseling (32%) or prescribed medication (5%) to treat depression. Residents’ practical knowledge and decision-making improved significantly (75% to 91%, p< 0.01) while using the app. There was no significant difference in scores between residents with higher and lower baseline confidence, or between junior and senior residents. Most (91%) found the app helpful and planned to use it again (86%).
Discussions: Although residents recognize their important role in assessing for perinatal depression, they feel less comfortable taking action. A mobile app is an effective and acceptable way to improve resident knowledge and comfort with diagnosing and treating perinatal depression.
Topics: CREOG & APGO Annual Meeting, 2021, Student, Resident, Faculty, Patient Care, Medical Knowledge, Systems-Based Practice & Improvement, Practice-Based Learning & Improvement, GME, Assessment, Maternal-Fetal Medicine, General Ob-Gyn,
Catherine Gliwa, MD, UCLA Medical Center; Marisa Berger, MD; Rashmi Rao, MD; Ilina Pluym, MD
