Date of Award

2025

Document Type

Project

College/School

College of Nursing

Degree Name

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

Project Mentor

Dr. Elizabeth Gabzdyl

Readers

Erin Delsol

Abstract

Background: Despite the significant risks for patients associated with undiagnosed bipolar disorder during the perinatal period, perinatal patients are not screened as frequently for bipolar disorder as clinical guidelines recommend. The purpose of this project was to incorporate the Mood Disorder Questionnaire (MDQ), an evidenced-based bipolar screening tool, as standard of practice for all patients at an outpatient perinatal healthcare clinic.

Objectives: The aims of this project include: (a) increase providers’ feelings of confidence in identifying risks of bipolar disorder during the perinatal period, (b) increase providers’ feelings of confidence in screening for the disorder, (c) integration of the MDQ as part of the initial prenatal visits for all prenatal patients at the clinic.

Methods: An in-service training addressing bipolar disorder during the perinatal period and how to use the MDQ was facilitated at the clinic with pre and posttests to determine providers’ feelings of confidence. The MDQ was incorporated into all new patient charts at the clinic as part of the intake process.

Results: In comparing pre and posttest scores, provider and staff’s feelings of confidence in identifying bipolar disorder and utilizing the MDQ improved. Approximately 75% of new patients received the MDQ as part of the intake process from 2/1/2025-3/28/2025, and this tool was incorporated into the clinic’s electronic medical records for each patient. 3% of estimated patients screened had positive MDQ scores. 42.9% of the patients with positive MDQ scores did not have positive EPDS scores and may not have been flagged for mental health consultation at the clinic without the use of the MDQ.

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