Examining the gaps in perinatal mental health care: A qualitative study of the perceptions of perinatal service providers in Canada
Date
2023
Authors
DeRoche, Christina
Hooykaas, Amanda
Ou, Christine H. K.
Charlebois, Jaime
King, Krista
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Frontiers in Global Womens Health
Abstract
In Canada, access to perinatal mental health services is disparate across districts, regions, provinces, and territories. Questions remain as to how gaps in service are being experienced by Canadian service providers and clinicians. This paper examines three key questions: 1) What are the experiences of care providers with respect to the screening, identifying, and managing perinatal mental health disorders? 2) What gaps in perinatal mental health care have been identified? and 3) What approaches have been taken by providers, communities, and regions in addressing the needs of their populations? To address these questions, 435 participants from across Canada were surveyed using an online survey constructed by the research members of the CPMHC. A qualitative analysis of the data revealed three key themes: groups marginalized by the current perinatal mental health system, gaps and supports identified by communities; and systemic and policy issues. From these three themes we have identified the key components of changes required in the national approach to perinatal mental health disorders. We identify key resources that could be utilized to create policy change and provide recommendations for change.
Description
Keywords
Institute on Aging and Lifelong Health
Citation
DeRoche, C., Hooykaas, A., Ou, C., Charlebois, J., & King, K. (2023b). Examining the gaps in perinatal mental health care: A qualitative study of the perceptions of perinatal service providers in Canada. Frontiers in Global Womens Health, 4. https://doi.org/10.3389/fgwh.2023.1027409