Obstetric care provider engagement in a perinatal depression screening program

Implementation of a Perinatal Substance Use Screening Protocol in the Outpatient Setting

OBJECTIVE

To implement the 5Ps Screen for Alcohol/Substance Use tool and the screening, brief intervention, and referral to treatment (SBIRT) process into clinical practice to determine if enhanced training would improve perinatal providers' adherence to universal screening.

DESIGN

A quality improvement project using a pre- and postintervention design.

SETTING/LOCAL PROBLEM

Three community-based, outpatient obstetrics and gynecology clinics in southeastern Massachusetts. The local problem identified was that no validated screening tool was being used for universal screening of substance use in pregnancy.

INTERVENTIONS/MEASUREMENTS

Training consisted of two phases that reviewed the SBIRT process, the 5Ps screening tool, brief intervention conversations, and the process for referral to treatment. Pre- and postimplementation screening rates were compared and analyzed using descriptive statistics and chi-square tests of independence.

RESULTS

Preimplementation screening rates were 14.4%. Screening rates measured 1 month after implementation were 44.6% (p < .001). Universal screening was not achieved.

CONCLUSION

Short-term improvement in screening for perinatal substance use was observed. Whether these results are sustainable beyond the project time frame is unknown. Future work should examine longer-term outcomes and continued barriers to universal uptake of the screening protocol.

Conceptual framework on barriers and facilitators to implementing perinatal mental health care and treatment for women: the MATRIx evidence synthesis

Background

Perinatal mental health difficulties can occur during pregnancy or after birth and mental illness is a leading cause of maternal death. It is therefore important to identify the barriers and facilitators to implementing and accessing perinatal mental health care.

Objectives

Our research objective was to develop a conceptual framework of barriers and facilitators to perinatal mental health care (defined as identification, assessment, care and treatment) to inform perinatal mental health services.

Methods

Two systematic reviews were conducted to synthesise the evidence on: Review 1 barriers and facilitators to implementing perinatal mental health care; and Review 2 barriers to women accessing perinatal mental health care. Results were used to develop a conceptual framework which was then refined through consultations with stakeholders.

Data sources

Pre-planned searches were conducted on MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsychInfo and CINAHL. Review 2 also included Scopus and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews.

Review methods

In Review 1, studies were included if they examined barriers or facilitators to implementing perinatal mental health care. In Review 2, systematic reviews were included if they examined barriers and facilitators to women seeking help, accessing help and engaging in perinatal mental health care; and they used systematic search strategies. Only qualitative papers were identified from the searches. Results were analysed using thematic synthesis and themes were mapped on to a theoretically informed multi-level model then grouped to reflect different stages of the care pathway.

Results

Review 1 included 46 studies. Most were carried out in higher income countries and evaluated as good quality with low risk of bias. Review 2 included 32 systematic reviews. Most were carried out in higher income countries and evaluated as having low confidence in the results. Barriers and facilitators to perinatal mental health care were identified at seven levels: Individual (e.g. beliefs about mental illness); Health professional (e.g. confidence addressing perinatal mental illness); Interpersonal (e.g. relationship between women and health professionals); Organisational (e.g. continuity of carer); Commissioner (e.g. referral pathways); Political (e.g. women's economic status); and Societal (e.g. stigma). These factors impacted on perinatal mental health care at different stages of the care pathway. Results from reviews were synthesised to develop two MATRIx conceptual frameworks of the (1) barriers and (2) facilitators to perinatal mental health care. These provide pictorial representations of 66 barriers and 39 facilitators that intersect across the care pathway and at different levels.

Limitations

In Review 1 only 10% of abstracts were double screened and 10% of included papers methodologically appraised by two reviewers. The majority of reviews included in Review 2 were evaluated as having low (n = 14) or critically low (n = 5) confidence in their results. Both reviews only included papers published in academic journals and written in English.

Conclusions

The MATRIx frameworks highlight the complex interplay of individual and system level factors across different stages of the care pathway that influence women accessing perinatal mental health care and effective implementation of perinatal mental health services.

Recommendations for health policy and practice

These include using the conceptual frameworks to inform comprehensive, strategic and evidence-based approaches to perinatal mental health care; ensuring care is easy to access and flexible; providing culturally sensitive care; adequate funding of services; and quality training for health professionals with protected time to do it.

Future work

Further research is needed to examine access to perinatal mental health care for specific groups, such as fathers, immigrants or those in lower income countries.

Trial registration

This trial is registered as PROSPERO: (R1) CRD42019142854; (R2) CRD42020193107.

Funding

This award was funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Health and Social Care Delivery Research programme (NIHR award ref: NIHR 128068) and is published in full in Health and Social Care Delivery Research; Vol. 12, No. 2. See the NIHR Funding and Awards website for further award information.

Trial of a patient-directed eHealth program to ameliorate perinatal depression: the MomMoodBooster2 practical effectiveness study

BACKGROUND

Depression is one of the most common complications of childbirth, and is experienced by approximately 17% of pregnant women and 13% of postpartum women. An estimated 85% of these women go untreated-an alarming statistic given the serious consequences for the mother, her child, other family members, and society. Professional societies (the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and American Academy of Pediatrics) have recommended improvements in screening and treatment. Meta-analyses indicate that cognitive behavioral therapy eHealth interventions are efficacious for depression, generally, and for perinatal depression, specifically. Earlier controlled trials have established the effectiveness and acceptability of MomMoodBooster (including an Australian version, MumMoodBooster), an eHealth program for ameliorating postpartum depression.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a perinatal version of MomMoodBooster encompassing both prenatal and postpartum content in a healthcare delivery setting already providing universal screening and referral of at-risk patients as part of routine care.

STUDY DESIGN

A practical effectiveness study randomly assigned 95 pregnant and 96 postpartum women screened as depressed and satisfying eligibility criteria to experimental groups: the healthcare organization's perinatal depression care program (routine-care group) and routine care+MomMoodBooster2 program (eHealth group). Eligibility criteria included: pregnant or <1 year postpartum, ≥18 years of age, no active suicidal ideation, access to broadband internet via desktop/laptop, tablet, or smartphone, and English language proficiency.

RESULTS

Intent-to-treat analyses of group effects used fixed-effects growth models to assess 12-week posttest change in outcomes. Results showed that both groups had significantly decreased depression severity, anxiety, stress, and automatic thoughts, and increased behavioral activation and self-efficacy. Relative to the routine-care group, the eHealth group displayed significantly greater decreases in depression severity and stress. These group comparisons were not moderated by depression severity (screening or baseline), anxiety, stress, or pregnant/postpartum status. Almost all (93%; n=89) women in the eHealth group visited their program, of whom 99% visited program sessions (M sessions visited=4.3±2.0; M total session duration=73.0±70.2 minutes; 49% viewed all 6 sessions). Among confirmed eHealth program users who provided ratings, 96% (79/82) rated their program as easy to use, 83% rated it helpful, and 93% (76/82) indicated that they would recommend it.

CONCLUSION

Results support the effectiveness of using MomMoodBooster2 as a treatment option for perinatal women with depression, especially when combined with universal depression screening and referral. Consequently, the eHealth program shows promise as a tool to increase the reach of treatment delivery and to potentially reduce the number of untreated perinatal women with depression.

Results of a Statewide Survey of Obstetric Clinician Depression Practices

Purpose: Perinatal depression affects upwards of one in seven women and is associated with significant negative maternal and child consequences. Despite this, it remains under-detected and under-treated. We sought to identify clinician practices, self-efficacy, and remaining barriers to comprehensively addressing perinatal depression care. Materials and Methods: Surveys were administered to obstetric clinicians in Massachusetts that queried frequency of depression screening and Likert questions about subsequent depression management. Results: Approximately 79.0% of clinicians approached completed the survey. Whereas most clinicians (93.5%) screened for perinatal depression at 6 weeks postpartum, fewer clinicians (66.1%) screened during pregnancy. Most reported they were comfortable providing support to their patients (98.4%), but fewer endorsed being able to treat them on their own (43.0%). Most noted an ability to treat with antidepressants (77.9%); however, fewer endorsed adequate access to nonmedication treatment (45.5%). Conclusions: The majority of surveyed clinicians screen for depression consistent with guidelines. However, efforts are focused on the postpartum period, despite literature citing two-thirds of patients experiencing onset before or during pregnancy. Respondents indicated an ability to treat with medication management, while noting greater challenge with referral. These findings describe the challenges of interdisciplinary coordination as a barrier to comprehensive perinatal mental health care. Clinical Trial Registration Number: NCT02760004.

Barriers and facilitators to implementing perinatal mental health care in health and social care settings: a systematic review

The improvement of perinatal mental health formed part of WHO's Millennium Development Goals. Research suggests that the implementation of perinatal mental health care is variable. To ensure successful implementation, barriers and facilitators to implementing perinatal mental health services need to be identified. Therefore, we aimed to identify the barriers and facilitators to implementing assessment, care, referral, and treatment for perinatal mental health into health and social care services. In this systematic review, we searched CINAHL, Embase, MEDLINE, and PsycINFO with no language restrictions for primary research articles published between database inception and Dec 11, 2019. Forward and backward searches of included studies were completed by March 31, 2020. Studies were eligible if they made statements about factors that either facilitated or impeded the implementation of perinatal mental health assessment, care, referral, or treatment. Partial (10%) dual screening was done. Data were extracted with EPPI-Reviewer 4 and analysed by use of a thematic synthesis. The protocol is registered on PROSPERO, CRD42019142854. Database searching identified 21 535 citations, of which 46 studies were included. Implementation occurred in a wide range of settings and was affected by individual (eg, an inability to attend treatment), health-care professional (eg, training), interpersonal (eg, trusting relationships), organisational (eg, clear referral pathways), political (eg, funding), and societal factors (eg, stigma and culture). A complex range of barriers and facilitators affect the implementation of perinatal mental health policy and practice. Perinatal mental health services should be flexible and women-centred, and delivered by well trained health-care professionals working within a structure that facilitates continuity of carer. Strategies that can be used to improve implementation include, but are not limited to, co-production of services, implementation team meetings, funding, and coalition building. Future research should focus on implementation barriers and facilitators dependent on illness severity, the health-care setting, and inpatient care.

Perinatal depression screening practices in a large health system: identifying current state and assessing opportunities to provide more equitable care

The purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence of prenatal and postpartum depression screening in a large health system and to identify covariates for screening, with a specific focus in understanding disparities in practice. A retrospective cohort of women with deliveries in 2016 was created using electronic health records. Primary outcomes were depression screening during pregnancy and the first 3 months postpartum. Generalized linear mixed models with women nested within clinic were used to determine the effect of maternal and clinical characteristics on depression screening. The sample included 7548 women who received prenatal care at 35 clinics and delivered at 10 hospitals. The postpartum sample included 7059 women who returned within 3 months for a postpartum visit. Of those, 65.1% were screened for depression during pregnancy, and 64.4% were screened postpartum. Clinic site was the strongest predictor of screening, accounting for 23-30% of the variability in screening prevalence. There were no disparities identified with regard to prenatal screening. However, several disparities were identified for postpartum screening. After adjusting for clinic, women who were African American, Asian, and otherwise non-white (Native American, multi-racial) were less likely to be screened postpartum than white women (AOR (CI)'s 0.81 (0.65, 1.01), 0.64 (0.53, 0.77), and 0.44 (0.21, 0.96), respectively). Women insured by Medicaid/Medicare, a proxy for low-income, were less likely to be screened postpartum than women who were privately insured (AOR (CI) 0.78 (0.68, 0.89)). National guidelines support universal depression screening of pregnant and postpartum women. The current study found opportunities for improvement in order to achieve universal screening and to deliver equitable care.

The Factor Reliability and Convergent Validity of the Patient Health Questionnaire-4 Among an International Sample of Pregnant Women

Background: Pregnant women are at an increased risk for anxiety and depression, but a majority of women go untreated due to a high rate of undetected symptoms. The 4-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-4) is an ultrabrief screening instrument for anxiety and depression with sound psychometric properties demonstrated in the general population and primary care, but not among pregnant women. The aim of this study was to provide initial evidence of the validity and reliability of the PHQ-4 among pregnant women. Materials and Methods: Data from an international sample of 1148 pregnant women who participated in an online cross-sectional survey were examined using a confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and multigroup analysis approaches. Average chronological and gestational ages were 27.7 years old (standard deviation [SD] = 6.5) and 16.8 weeks (SD = 10.6), respectively. Participants were from diverse cultural backgrounds and English and Spanish speaking (n = 587 and n = 561, respectively). Results: CFA reflected two distinct factors, which accounted for 59% of the proportion of variance in the two anxiety items and 50% in the two depression items. Coefficient H values of 0.74 for anxiety and 0.70 for depression suggested good factor reliability. Conclusions: This is the first study demonstrating initial evidence supporting the validity and reliability of the PHQ-4 in pregnant women. Should this study be replicated, a clinical interview, which is the gold standard procedure, should be included. Regardless, the PHQ-4 may be a useful ultrabrief resource for maternal mental health clinicians and health care providers who need to identify potential cases of anxiety and depression in pregnant women using efficient and evidence-based tools.

Feasibility of perinatal mood screening and text messaging on patients' personal smartphones

Screens and adjunctive treatments for perinatal mood are available, but barriers prevent many women from receiving them. Mobile technology may help bypass barriers. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of screening and texting perinatal women via their personal smartphones. This prospective cohort study enrolled 203 pregnant and postpartum women receiving obstetric care at a Midwestern US academic medical center. Participants received one electronic mood screen and three text messages per week for two weeks. Texts were based on the Mothers and Babies Course, a CBT-based preventative program that addresses limited social support, lack of pleasant activities, and harmful thought patterns. Feasibility was defined as the ability to take the mood screen and receive texts without technical difficulties. Demographic variables were paired with results. Insurance type (private or public) was used as a proxy for socioeconomic status. Pearson chi-squared tests were used to analyze the data. A text-based satisfaction survey was also administered. The sample was 72% privately insured and 28% publicly insured. Sixty-seven percent completed electronic screening. Screen completion was significantly associated with private insurance (OR = 3.8, 95% CI 2.00-7.30) and "married" status (OR = 1.93, 95% CI 1.01-3.70). Most survey respondents (92%) found it easy to receive the texts, and 76% responded with very favorable comments about the texts. Smartphone mood screening and supportive texting were technically feasible. Screen completion was lower among single women with public insurance.

Depression during perimenopause: the role of the obstetrician-gynecologist

Depression in women is more common during perimenopause (the transition to menopause) than at other times in the life cycle. Symptoms of depression may be different in perimenopausal women compared to younger or older women, and are often dismissed as part of normal menopause. This is an expert narrative review. There are several evidence-based screening modalities which can be integrated into routine women's health visits, and can facilitate distinguishing between depression and normal perimenopausal symptoms. There is emerging evidence regarding the effect of hormonal changes on the development of perimenopausal depression and its optimal treatment, though critical research gaps remain. Obstetrician-gynecologists and other primary care providers play a vital role in the detection and management of depression in women. Providers caring for women during perimenopause have a unique opportunity to diagnose depression in their patients and identify appropriate treatment options.

Perinatal depression-knowledge gap among service providers and service utilizers in India

INTRODUCTION

Lack of access to perinatal mental health (PMH) services is a significant public health problem in India. Barriers to accessing PMH services include the stigma, non-availability of services, poor knowledge, negative perception, attitude among perinatal women (PWs) and service providers. The present study attempted to examine the knowledge gap regarding perinatal depression (PD) among service providers [Nursing providers (NPs), Medical Practitioners (MPs)] and service utilizers (PWs).

METHODS

This cross-sectional study was conducted in two tertiary care teaching hospitals of India, one in a major metro and the other in a rural area. PWs, MPs and NPs were assessed for knowledge about PD using a semi-structured proforma and Perinatal Depression Monitor.

RESULTS

Among the 270 PWs, 8.51% were knowledgeable (PWA) and 91.49% were ignorant (PWB) about depression. PWB group were low educated (n = 140, 56.68%), and unemployed (n = 207, 83.80%) with lower family income [(≤₹10,356 per month), n = 170, 68.28%)]. There was knowledge discrepancy among NPs, MPs and PWA group in terms of a) PD is a normal part of pregnancy (agree- NPs = 71.52%, MPs = 10.00%, PWA-17.39%), b)biological causes of PD (agree- NPs = 45.23%, MPs = 70.00%, PWA = 26.03%) and c)antidepressant medications for PD (useful- NPs = 23.80%, MPs = 70.00%, PWA = 21.73%). Majority of the respondents agreed that all women should be screened for depression during pregnancy (NPs = 34.78%, MPs = 80.95%, PWA = 95.00%) and postpartum periods (NPs = 34.78%, MPs = 76.19%, PWA = 90.00%).

CONCLUSIONS

Low PD literacy among the PWs, misconception about aetiology and management among the NPs could be major barrier for delivery and utilisation of PD services. Thus, there is an urgent need to improve PD literacy among PWs and NPs.

The PRogram In Support of Moms (PRISM): study protocol for a cluster randomized controlled trial of two active interventions addressing perinatal depression in obstetric settings

BACKGROUND

Perinatal depression, the most common pregnancy complication, is associated with negative maternal-offspring outcomes. Despite existence of effective treatments, it is under-recognized and under-treated. Professional organizations recommend universal screening, yet multi-level barriers exist to ensuring effective diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up. Integrating mental health and obstetric care holds significant promise for addressing perinatal depression. The overall study goal is to compare the effectiveness of two active interventions: (1) the Massachusetts Child Psychiatry Access Program (MCPAP) for Moms, a state-wide, population-based program, and (2) the PRogram In Support of Moms (PRISM) which includes MCPAP for Moms plus a proactive, multifaceted, practice-level intervention with intensive implementation support.

METHODS

This study is conducted in two phases: (1) a run-in phase which has been completed and involved practice and patient participant recruitment to demonstrate feasibility for the second phase, and (2) a cluster randomized controlled trial (RCT), which is ongoing, and will compare two active interventions 1:1 with ten Ob/Gyn practices as the unit of randomization. In phase 1, rates of depressive symptoms and other demographic and clinical features among patients were examined to inform practice randomization. Patient participants to be recruited in phase 2 will be followed longitudinally until 13 months postpartum; they will have 3-5 total study visits depending on whether their initial recruitment and interview was at 4-24 or 32-40 weeks gestation, or 1-3 months postpartum. Sampling throughout pregnancy and postpartum will ensure participants with different depressive symptom onset times. Differences in depression symptomatology and treatment participation will be compared between patient participants by intervention arm.

DISCUSSION

This manuscript describes the full two-phase study protocol. The study design is innovative because it combines effectiveness with implementation research designs and integrates critical components of participatory action research. Our approach assesses the feasibility, acceptance, efficacy, and sustainability of integrating a stepped-care approach to perinatal depression care into ambulatory obstetric settings; an approach that is flexible and can be tailored and adapted to fit unique workflows of real-world practices.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02760004, registered prospectively on May 3, 2016.

Technology-assisted nursing for postpartum support: A randomized controlled trial

AIM

To determine if an electronic nursing intervention during the first 6 months postpartum was effective in improving mood and decreasing stress.

BACKGROUND

Unmet needs postpartum can have a negative impact on mood and parenting stress. Technology-assisted nursing care may provide needed support and reduce risk.

DESIGN

Randomized controlled trial (RCT) with three conditions.

METHODS

Enrollment began on 11 May 2017. Participants were randomized into one of three groups after completion of the baseline survey. Intervention I participants received standardized electronic messages four times/week for 6 months postpartum. Intervention II participants additionally received the option for nurse contact. Depression and parenting stress as measured using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) and Parenting Stress Index-Short form (PSI-SF) was obtained at 3 weeks, 3 months and 6 months postpartum and results compared with a usual care group. Patient satisfaction and nursing factors were measured.

RESULTS

Significantly higher satisfaction scores were found in both intervention groups as compared with control, but there were no significant changes in EPDS or PSI-SF.

CONCLUSION

The interventions were perceived as helpful and not burdensome. Better nurse-sensitive outcome measures are needed to adequately assess effectiveness.

IMPACT

Postpartum women report unmet needs for support and education. The interventions were perceived as being helpful but did not significantly reduce depressive symptoms or parenting stress. Nurses can use this research to inform development of innovative approaches to support postpartum women.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02843022.

A Systematic Review of Integrated Care Interventions Addressing Perinatal Depression Care in Ambulatory Obstetric Care Settings

This systematic review searched 4 databases (PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, CINAHL, and PsychINFO) and identified 21 articles eligible to evaluate the extent to which interventions that integrate depression care into outpatient obstetric practice are feasible, effective, acceptable, and sustainable. Despite limitations among the available studies including marked heterogeneity, there is evidence supporting feasibility, effectiveness, and acceptability. In general, this is an emerging field with promise that requires additional research. Critical to its real-world success will be consideration for practice workflow and logistics, and sustainability through novel reimbursement mechanisms.

Measuring outcomes of digital technology-assisted nursing postpartum: A randomized controlled trial

AIM

To determine if delivering electronic messages from nurses during the first 6 months postpartum is feasible, acceptable and effective in improving mood and decreasing parenting stress.

BACKGROUND

Competing demands during the postpartum hospitalization make focused time for nurses to provide education and support difficult. Unmet needs following discharge may increase the incidence of postpartum depression. Untreated depression negatively affects families, especially for vulnerable women with limited access to health care.

DESIGN

This is a longitudinal cohort study in three phases. Feasibility and acceptability were assessed during Phases 1 & 2. Phase 3 is a randomized controlled trial (RCT) with three conditions.

METHODS

This protocol was approved by the Institutional Review Board of the maternity hospital on 12 May 2015 and reviewed annually. Women are enrolled during the maternity hospitalization, after which randomization occurs. The control group receives usual care. Intervention I participants receive a standardized electronic message four times/week for 6 months postpartum. Intervention II participants receive the messages and the option to request a call from a nurse. Electronic surveys at 3 weeks, 3 months and 6 months postpartum measure depressive symptoms using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale and parenting stress using the Parenting Stress Index-Short form. Patient satisfaction, nursing time and expertise required are also measured.

DISCUSSION

Phase 1 and 2 have demonstrated the intervention is feasible and acceptable to women. Phase 3 enrolment is completed, and the last follow-up surveys were emailed to participants in February 2018. Results will help inform efforts to continue nursing care after hospital discharge.

Pregnant Women's Views on the Feasibility and Acceptability of Web-Based Mental Health E-Screening Versus Paper-Based Screening: A Randomized Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND

Major international guidelines recommend mental health screening during the perinatal period. However, substantial barriers to screening have been reported by pregnant and postpartum women and perinatal care providers. E-screening offers benefits that may address implementation challenges.

OBJECTIVE

The primary objective of this randomized controlled trial was to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of Web-based mental health e-screening compared with paper-based screening among pregnant women. A secondary objective was to identify factors associated with women's preferences for e-screening and disclosure of mental health concerns.

METHODS

Pregnant women recruited from community and hospital-based antenatal clinics and hospital-based prenatal classes were computer-randomized to a fully automated Web-based e-screening intervention group or a paper-based control group. Women were eligible if they spoke or read English, were willing to be randomized to e-screening, and were willing to participate in a follow-up diagnostic interview. The intervention group completed the Antenatal Psychosocial Health Assessment and the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale on a tablet computer, while controls completed them on paper. All women completed self-report baseline questions and were telephoned 1 week after randomization by a blinded research assistant for a MINI International Neuropsychiatric Interview. Renker and Tonkin's tool of feasibility and acceptability of computerized screening was used to assess the feasibility and acceptability of e-screening compared with paper-based screening. Intention-to-treat analysis was used. To identify factors associated with preference for e-screening and disclosure, variables associated with each outcome at P<.20 were simultaneously entered into final multivariable models to estimate adjusted odds ratios (AORs) and 95% CIs.

RESULTS

Of the 675 eligible women approached, 636 agreed to participate (participation rate 94.2%) and were randomized to the intervention (n=305) or control (n=331) groups. There were no significant baseline differences between groups. More women in the e-screening group strongly or somewhat agreed that they would like to use a tablet for answering questions on emotional health (57.9%, 175/302 vs 37.2%, 121/325) and would prefer using a tablet to paper (46.0%, 139/302 vs 29.2%, 95/325), compared with women in the paper-based screening group. There were no differences between groups in women's disclosure of emotional health concerns (94.1%, 284/302 vs 90.2%, 293/325). Women in the e-screening group consistently reported the features of e-screening more favorably than controls (more private or confidential, less impersonal, less time-consuming). In the multivariable models, being in the e-screening group was significantly associated with preferring e-screening (AOR 2.29, 95% CI 1.66-3.17), while no factors were significantly associated with disclosure.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings suggest that mental health e-screening is feasible and acceptable to pregnant women.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Clinicaltrials.gov NCT01899534; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01899534 (Archived by WebCite at http://www.webcitation.org/6ntWg1yWb).

The experience of depression, anxiety, and mania among perinatal women

We assessed differential item functioning (DIF) based on computerized adaptive testing (CAT) to examine how perinatal mood disorders differ from adult psychiatric disorders. The CAT-Mental Health (CAT-MH) was administered to 1614 adult psychiatric outpatients and 419 perinatal women with IRB approval. We examined individual item-level differences using logistic regression and overall score differences by scoring the perinatal data using the original bifactor model calibration based on the psychiatric sample data and a new bifactor model calibration based on the perinatal data and computing their correlation. To examine convergent validity, we computed correlations of the CAT-MH with contemporaneously administered Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scales (EPDS). The rate of major depression in the perinatal sample was 13 %. Rates of anxiety, mania, and suicide risk were 5, 6, and 0.4 %, respectively. One of 66 depression items, one of 69 anxiety items, and 15 of 53 mania items exhibited DIF (i.e., failure to discriminate between high and low levels of the disorder) in the perinatal sample based on the psychiatric sample calibration. Removal of these items resulted in correlations of the original and perinatal calibrations of r = 0.983 for depression, r = 0.986 for anxiety, and r = 0.932 for mania. The 91.3 % of cases were concordantly categorized as either "at-risk" or "low-risk" between the EPDS and the perinatal calibration of the CAT-MH. There was little evidence of DIF for depression and anxiety symptoms in perinatal women. This was not true for mania. Now calibrated for perinatal women, the CAT-MH can be evaluated for longitudinal symptom monitoring.

Postpartum Depression Screening: A Review for Psychiatrists

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

After participating in this activity, learners should be better able to:• Evaluate the rationale for screening women for postpartum depression• Assess tools for screening for postpartum depression

OBJECTIVE

To perform a qualitative literature review on screening for postpartum depression (PPD), as applicable to the general psychiatrist. Results are classified by instrument, timing, and clinical setting of the screen.

DATA SOURCES

A literature search was conducted using the PubMed database for English-language articles published since January 1987. Of the 2406 citations initially identified, 61 articles remained after application of inclusion and exclusion criteria.

RESULTS

Among numerous screening tools for PPD, the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale is the most widely used. Data suggest that screening for PPD should commence soon after delivery, with subsequent screens at multiple time-points in the postpartum period. Primary care, pediatric, and obstetric settings are all viable locations for screening, but are ineffective without follow-up mental health evaluations. Less data are available to define optimal patterns either for screening in psychiatric settings or for the psychiatrist's role in managing perinatal depression.

CONCLUSIONS

The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, American Academy of Pediatrics, and most authors firmly recommend screening for PPD. The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale can be administered in various clinical settings. Screening should occur at multiple time-points throughout the first postpartum year. The psychiatrist's role in early detection and prevention of PPD requires further exploration.

A systematic review on the acceptability of perinatal depression screening

BACKGROUND

Perinatal depression (PND) affects approximately 10-15% of women, worldwide. PND screening, using screening tools, has been undertaken by a broad range of healthcare professionals in different settings. Our objective was to explore the acceptability of PND screening and how acceptability was being assessed.

METHODS

A systematic literature review of studies that explored the acceptability of PND screening was carried out throughout MEDLINE, PsycINFO, PubMed, CINAHL, Embase, Maternity and Infant Care and Joanna Briggs Institute databases.

RESULTS

Twenty-eight out of twenty-nine publications reported PND screening to be acceptable to most participants. A wide range of terms, questions and statements was used to infer, assess or report on acceptability. There was no uniform, psychometrically tested tool used to measure acceptability across the studies.

LIMITATIONS

Broad inclusion criteria and methodological differences limited comparisons, but are overcome by the comprehensiveness of the data and the lack of uniformity across studies.

CONCLUSIONS

Even though PND screening appears acceptable, it is difficult to draw conclusions about PND screening acceptability as studies used different methods to infer, assess or report on acceptability. The lack of a uniform, psychometrically tested tool to measure acceptability is not unique to PND. Nonetheless, the majority of perinatal women and healthcare professionals reported positive attitudes towards PND screening using different tools in different settings, indicating that it may be the responsibility of all healthcare professionals who come into contact with perinatal women.

Online screening and referral for postpartum depression: an exploratory study

The fear and stigma associated with postpartum depression (PPD) is a major challenge in the treatment of this disease. Our goal is to develop innovative methods of screening women for the symptoms of PPD to facilitate referral and treatment. This study explores the efficacy of the Internet in reaching out to postpartum women in the convenience and privacy of their own homes, particularly those in rural and underserved areas. An exploratory study design was used to explore the feasibility and acceptability of online screening for PPD with postpartum women in the first 2-3 months after delivery (N = 18). In the first phase, a focus group was conducted with a small group of postpartum women; the second phase consisted of individual interviews of postpartum women in their homes; and in phase three, 10 women participated in the on-line screening intervention. PPD was measured using an online version of the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) a well-established instrument with reported alpha reliabilities (0.81-0.88) across studies and concurrent validity demonstrated using the gold standard, Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition criteria for depression interview. Qualitative data collected from all the participants were also analyzed. The sample included women age 18-29; 70 % White/Caucasian, 50 % low income, and the majority living in rural areas. The EPDS scores ranged from 0 to 13 (mean 8.0; SD 4.76). Participants described the online PPD screening process as easy, straightforward and personalized and provided additional suggestions for improvement.

The Public's views of mental health in pregnant and postpartum women: a population-based study

Background

We used population-based data to determine the public’s views of prenatal and postnatal mental health and to identify predictors of those views.

Methods

A computer-assisted telephone survey was conducted by the Population Health Laboratory (University of Alberta) with a random sample of participants from the province of Alberta, Canada. Respondents were eligible to participate if they were: 1) ≥18 years; and 2) contacted by direct dialing. Questions were drawn from the Perinatal Depression Monitor, an Australian population-based survey on perinatal mental health; additional questions were developed and tested to reflect the Canadian context. Descriptive and multivariable regression analyses were conducted.

Results

Among the 1207 respondents, 74.7% had post-secondary education, 16.3% were in childbearing years, and over half (57.4%) reported knowing a woman who had experienced postpartum depression. Significantly more respondents had high levels of knowledge of postnatal (87.4%) than prenatal (70.5%) mental health (p < .01). Only 26.6% of respondents accurately identified that prenatal anxiety/depression could negatively impact child development. Personal knowledge of a woman with postpartum depression was a significant predictor of prenatal and postnatal mental health knowledge.

Conclusions

While the public’s knowledge of postnatal mental health is high, knowledge regarding prenatal mental health and its influence on child development is limited. Strategies for improving perinatal mental health literacy should target these knowledge deficits.

Comparing the feasibility, acceptability, clinical-, and cost-effectiveness of mental health e-screening to paper-based screening on the detection of depression, anxiety, and psychosocial risk in pregnant women: a study protocol of a randomized, parallel-group, superiority trial

BACKGROUND

Stress, depression, and anxiety affect 15% to 25% of pregnant women. However, substantial barriers to psychosocial assessment exist, resulting in less than 20% of prenatal care providers assessing and treating mental health problems. Moreover, pregnant women are often reluctant to disclose their mental health concerns to a healthcare provider. Identifying screening and assessment tools and procedures that are acceptable to both women and service providers, cost-effective, and clinically useful is needed.

METHODS/DESIGN

The primary objective of this randomized, parallel-group, superiority trial is to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of a computer tablet-based prenatal psychosocial assessment (e-screening) compared to paper-based screening. Secondary objectives are to compare the two modes of screening on: (1) the level of detection of prenatal depression and anxiety symptoms and psychosocial risk; (2) the level of disclosure of symptoms; (3) the factors associated with feasibility, acceptability, and disclosure; (4) the psychometric properties of the e-version of the assessment tools; and (5) cost-effectiveness. A sample of 542 women will be recruited from large, primary care maternity clinics and a high-risk antenatal unit in an urban Canadian city. Pregnant women are eligible to participate if they: (1) receive care at one of the recruitment sites; (2) are able to speak/read English; (3) are willing to be randomized to e-screening; and (4) are willing to participate in a follow-up diagnostic interview within 1 week of recruitment. Allocation is by computer-generated randomization. Women in the intervention group will complete an online psychosocial assessment on a computer tablet, while those in the control group will complete the same assessment in paper-based form. All women will complete baseline questionnaires at the time of recruitment and will participate in a diagnostic interview within 1 week of recruitment. Research assistants conducting diagnostic interviews and physicians will be blinded. A qualitative descriptive study involving healthcare providers from the recruitment sites and women will provide data on feasibility and acceptability of the intervention. We hypothesize that mental health e-screening in primary care maternity settings and high-risk antenatal units will be as or more feasible, acceptable, and capable of detecting depression, anxiety, and psychosocial risk compared to paper-based screening.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01899534.

Patient's views on depression care in obstetric settings: how do they compare to the views of perinatal health care professionals?

OBJECTIVES

The objectives were to examine patients' perspectives on patient-, provider- and systems-level barriers and facilitators to addressing perinatal depression in outpatient obstetric settings. We also compare the views of patients and perinatal health care professionals.

METHOD

Four 90-min focus groups were conducted with women 3-36 months after delivery (n=27) who experienced symptoms of perinatal depression, anxiety or emotional distress. Focus groups were transcribed, and resulting data were analyzed using a grounded theory approach.

RESULTS

Barriers to addressing perinatal depression included fear of stigma and loss of parental rights, negative experiences with perinatal health care providers and lack of depression management knowledge/skills among professionals. Facilitators included psychoeducation, peer support and training for professionals.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients perceive many multilevel barriers to treatment that are similar to those found in our previous similar study of perinatal health care professionals' perspectives. However, patients and professionals do differ in their perceptions of one another. Interventions would need to close these gaps and include an empathic screening and referral process that facilitates discussion of mental health concerns. Interventions should leverage strategies identified by both patients and professionals, including empowering both via education, resources and access to varied mental health care options.

A model for maternal depression

With the awareness of maternal depression as a prevalent public health issue and its important link to child physical and mental health, attention has turned to how healthcare providers can respond effectively. Intimate partner violence (IPV) and the use of alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs are strongly related to depression, particularly for low-income women. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends psychosocial screening of pregnant women at least once per trimester, yet screening is uncommonly done. Research suggests that a collaborative care approach improves identification, outcomes, and cost-effectiveness of care. This article presents The Perinatal Mental Health Model, a community-based model that developed screening and referral partnerships for use in community obstetric settings in order to specifically address the psychosocial needs of culturally diverse, low-income mothers.

Repeat testing on the Edinburgh Depression Scale and the HADS-A in pregnancy: differentiating between transient and enduring distress

BACKGROUND

The Edinburgh Depression Scale (EDS/EPDS) is routinely used in many clinical services to screen for probable distress in antenatal and postnatal women. Typically a single administration of this scale results in a referral to a specialist mental health service if the woman scores above the service's cut-off score on the measure - that is, scores 'high'. A few postnatal studies have shown, however, that many women when re-tested just a few weeks later no longer score 'high'. This study explored this phenomenon in a sample of pregnant women, using both the EDS and an anxiety self-report measure (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale - Anxiety subscale: HADS-A).

METHOD

164 English-speaking pregnant women attending a local public hospital's antenatal clinic for their first appointment participated. At this appointment they completed the EDS and the HADS-A, and predicted how they might be feeling in about two-week time. Approximately two weeks later they were interviewed by phone and again completed the EDS and the HADS-A, and answered questions about possible mood changes.

RESULTS

Regardless of which of several cut-off scores on the EDS or HADS-A was used to define 'high' scorers, approximately 50% (±6%) of women scoring high at their first appointment on either measure no longer scored 'high' two weeks later. Common reasons given for their mood improvement included reduced morning sickness, reassuring results from routine tests (e.g., ultrasounds), fear of miscarriage subsiding, and a sense of reassurance following their hospital visit. Many of the women were accurate in predicting at their first appointment that they would be feeling better within a few weeks.

LIMITATIONS

The administration procedure for completion of the measures on the two occasions was different. Women initially completed the measures by hand, and on the second occasion over the phone.

CONCLUSION

Half the women screened as having emotional distress - that is, scoring 'high' on self-report mood measures (i.e., EDS and HADS-A) - during their first hospital visit in pregnancy are likely to have transient distress for predictable reasons. Referring women to specialist mental health services based upon just one administration of these measures will therefore result in a large number of unnecessary referrals, thus possibly overstretching the resources available. We therefore believe that when women score high on a self-report mood measure, enquiring as to why this is the case, and about whether the woman expects to feel differently in a few weeks time, together with a second administration of the measures in a few weeks is a better practice, unless there are good clinical reasons to do otherwise. In addition, studies reporting prevalence rates of perinatal distress should not simply use a one-off administration of a self-report mood scale to state the probable rate of disorders or distress.

Strategies for improving perinatal depression treatment in North American outpatient obstetric settings

OBJECTIVE

To identify core barriers and facilitators to addressing perinatal depression and review clinical, programmatic, and system level interventions that may optimize perinatal depression treatment.

METHOD

Eighty-four MEDLINE/PubMed searches were conducted using the terms perinatal depression, postpartum depression, antenatal depression, and prenatal depression in association with 21 other terms. Of 7768 papers yielded in the search, we identified 49 papers on barriers and facilitators, and 17 papers on interventions in obstetric settings aimed to engage women and/or providers in treatment.

RESULTS

Barriers include stigma, lack of obstetric provider training, lack of resources and limited access to mental health treatment. Facilitators include validating and empowering women during interactions with health care providers, obstetric provider and staff training, standardized screening and referral processes, and improved mental health resources.

CONCLUSION

Specific clinical, program, and system level changes are recommended to help change the culture of obstetric care settings to optimize depression treatment.

Depression in pregnancy: time of screening and access to psychiatric care

OBJECTIVE

To determine the timing of screening for postpartum depression that optimizes access to psychiatric care.

METHODS

Cross-sectional evaluation of women receiving obstetric care in a community-based medical center clinic from March to July 2006, who were screened for depression at 36 weeks gestation, delivery, and 6 weeks postpartum using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale. Positive screens generated referrals for psychiatric evaluation. The rate of positive screens for depression and psychiatric follow-up at each time point was evaluated.

RESULTS

Of the 293 patients evaluated, the distribution of the first screen which occurred during the study period was 21% at 36 weeks, 31% at delivery, and 48% at 6 weeks postpartum. The incidence of a positive screen was 5% at 36 weeks, 16% at delivery and 14% at 6 weeks postpartum. Access to psychiatric care occurred in 33% at 36 weeks, 15% at 6 weeks postpartum and 100% at delivery (p = 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Screening for depression in the hospital after delivery improves access to psychiatric care.

Predictors of depression screening rates of nurses receiving a personal digital assistant-based reminder to screen

The purpose of this study was to determine if race/ethnicity, payer type, or nursing specialty affected depression screening rates in primary care settings in which nurses received a reminder to screen. The sample comprised 4,160 encounters in which nurses enrolled in advanced practice training were prompted to screen for depression using the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ)-2/PHQ-9 integrated into a personal digital assistant-based clinical decision support system for depression screening and management. Nurses chose to screen in response to 52.5% of reminders. Adjusted odds ratios showed that payer type and nurse specialty, but not race/ethnicity, significantly predicted proportion of patients screened.