Improving Perinatal Health Care: Increasing the Utilization of Mental Health Screening Tools Among Pelvic Health Therapists

Abstract

Perinatal mental health disorders affect approximately 1 in 5 birthing parents and can have serious negative implications if left undiagnosed and untreated. For example, birthing parents with such diagnoses are less likely to engage with their infant which can result in impaired bonding and caregiving. This capstone project sought to improve knowledge and confidence regarding perinatal mental health screening and referral among pelvic health therapists at an outpatient rehabilitation clinic. The project included an evidence-based presentation highlighting the importance of perinatal mental health screening, as well as newly created standardized screening and referral protocols that were presented to the therapists and implemented at the clinic. These protocols were created to ensure that patients receive appropriate screening and referrals for perinatal mental health disorders. Quasi-experimental research was conducted to gauge the therapist’s knowledge and confidence regarding perinatal mental health and determine the effectiveness of the presentation in educating staff. The results indicated statistically significant improvements in both knowledge and confidence among the therapists. This project had a meaningful impact on both the occupational and physical therapy professions, as it emphasized the importance of therapists’ involvement in perinatal mental health screening. This project adds to the growing body of research to support occupational therapy’s role in perinatal mental health.