Antenatal depression screening and psychosocial assessment in an Australian private hospital: An evaluation. (27th June 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kohlhoff, Jane; Tooke, Sarah; Philipov, Marisa; Hickinbotham, Rachael; Knox, Catherine; Roach, Vijay; Barnett, Bryanne
• Is Part Of: Australian and New Zealand journal of obstetrics and gynaecology. Volume 63:Number 1(2023)
• Page Start: 42
• Page End: 51
• Publication Date: 2022-06-27
• Subjects: antenatal private maternity -- depression screening -- perinatal -- private maternity -- psychosocial assessment; Obstetrics -- Periodicals; Gynecology -- Periodicals; 618.05
• DOI: 10.1111/ajo.13550
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0004-8666

Abstract

Abstract : Background: Universal mental health screening and psychosocial assessment during pregnancy have been recommended as best practice, but uptake of universal programs in the private hospital system has been slow. Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the Pre‐admission Midwife Appointment Program (PMAP), an antenatal mental health screening program at the Mater Hospital, Sydney. Materials and Methods: In this mixed‐methods design study, PMAP interview data were collected for a consecutive series of 485 women who attended the PMAP during a 10‐month period. Women also completed two postnatal telephone interviews (10 weeks and 9 months postpartum). The interviews involved depression screening and questions about the program. Results: Of the 485 participants, 4.1% screened positive for depression on the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale. In total, 19% were identified as currently suffering from, or at risk of developing, perinatal mental health issues; referrals to support services were provided for the 13% who were not already linked in with appropriate supports. All women displayed a decrease in depressive symptom severity from pregnancy to 10 weeks and 9 months postpartum. The PMAP was viewed positively by consumers, with >93% viewing the program as helpful and >98% saying that they would recommend the program to others. Additional program benefits identified included opportunities to gain practical information and prepare for motherhood and to think/reflect on their emotional well‐being. Conclusions: Given the observed rates of psychosocial risk among this sample, related referral opportunities and positive consumer feedback, we recommend other Australian private hospitals consider implementing PMAP or similar programs.