Devoloping a Primary Care Screening Protocol for Post-Miscarriage Depression

Spontaneous abortions occur in 20-33% of pregnancies, and 10-30% of these women have clinically significant depression. These women are often unscreened by either PCPs or OBs for depressive symptoms. We developed a screening protocol using the PHQ-2 to assess for depression in patients who have had a spontaneous abortion. The protocol utilizes a nursing care manager to follow up with patients who either were seen in the ED or self report spontaneous abortions to the PCP office. Follow up phone calls should be made within 2 weeks and at 6 weeks post spontaneous abortion, with offers for in-person follow-up given if they screen positive.