MPC Member Publications

This database contains a listing of population studies publications written by MPC Members. Anyone can add a publication by an MPC student, faculty, or staff member to this database; new citations will be reviewed and approved by MPC administrators.

Full Citation

Title: New Jersey's efforts to improve postpartum depression care did not change treatment patterns for women on medicaid

Citation Type: Journal Article

Publication Year: 2011

ISSN: 1544-5208; 0278-2715

DOI: 10.1377/hlthaff.2009.1075 [doi]

PMCID: PMC3736568

PMID: 21289351

Abstract: Identification and treatment of postpartum depression are the increasing focus of state and national legislation, including portions of the Affordable Care Act. Some state policies and proposals are modeled directly on programs in New Jersey, the first state to require universal screening for postpartum depression among mothers who recently delivered babies. We examined the impact of these policies on a particularly vulnerable population, Medicaid recipients, and found that neither the required screening nor the educational campaign that preceded it was associated with improved treatment initiation, follow-up, or continued care. We argue that New Jersey's policies, although well intentioned, were predicated on an inadequate base of evidence and that efforts should now be undertaken to build that base. We also argue that to improve detection and treatment, policy makers contemplating or implementing postpartum depression mandates should consider additional measures. These could include requiring mechanisms to monitor and enforce the screening requirement; paying providers to execute screening and follow-up; and preliminary testing of interventions before policy changes are enacted.

User Submitted?: No

Authors: Kozhimannil, Katy B.; Adams, Alyce S; Soumerai, SB; Busch, Alisa B; Huskamp, Haiden A

Periodical (Full): Health affairs (Project Hope)

Issue: 2

Volume: 30

Pages: 293-593

Countries:

IPUMS NHGIS NAPP IHIS ATUS Terrapop