There is more to perinatal mental health care than depression: Public health nurses reported engagement and competence in perinatal mental health care

Higgins, Agnès; Downes, Carmel; Carroll, Margaret; Gill, Ailish; Monahan, Mark

doi:10.1111/jocn.13986

Cited by 33 publications

(35 citation statements)

References 36 publications

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“…Education and training have been shown to be effective in developing healthcare professionals’ confidence and competence to respond to women's perinatal mental health care needs (Jones et al, ; Morrell et al, ). Higgins, Downes, et al () found that PHNs who had received perinatal mental health specific education had statistically significant higher confidence and skills levels in comparison to those without perinatal mental health education. In relation to referral, PHNs primarily directed women to their GP and only 22% of PHNs referred to community mental health nurses.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Limited international research has explored PHNs perinatal mental health education and training needs (Noonan, Galvin, et al, 2017b). In Ireland, Higgins, Downes, Carroll, Gill, and Monahan (2017b) concluded that PHNs lack knowledge and skills to provide comprehensive perinatal mental health care. Jomeen, Martin, and Jarrett (2018b) suggest that a complexity of factors may influence healthcare professionals' behaviours including negative attitudes towards women with mental health concerns and inaccurate illness perceptions.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Public health nurses’ perinatal mental health training needs: A cross sectional survey

Noonan

Galvin

Jomeen

et al. 2019

Journal of Advanced Nursing

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Aim To examine public health nurses’ education, training, and professional support needs in perinatal mental health. Background Public health nurses have a key role in supporting maternal mental health including screening, support, referral, and decreasing stigmatization. Design A cross‐sectional survey. Methods Data were collected from a convenience sample of Irish public health nurses (N = 105) from December 2016–February 2018. The anonymous postal survey consisted of the Perinatal Mental Health Questionnaire, Mental Illness: Clinician's Attitudes scale and Perinatal Mental Health Learning Needs questionnaire. Results Public health nurses reported good levels of knowledge (77.2%) and confidence (83.8%) in recognising women experiencing stress, anxiety and depression. They indicated less confidence in caring (50.5%) for women. The average score for the Mental Illness: Clinician's Attitudes scale was 35.9 (SD 5.9), suggesting positive attitudes towards women with significant mental illness. Conclusion Public health nurses require educational opportunities to explore expressions of psychological distress across cultures and their own personal attitudes to mental health, systems of clinical supervision, and support pathways. Impact Generating new knowledge on the importance of incorporating an attitude component in perinatal mental health education for public health nurses.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Public health nurses’ perinatal mental health training needs: A cross sectional survey

Noonan

Galvin

Jomeen

et al. 2019

Journal of Advanced Nursing

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“…It was suggested that this was related to the variations in perceptions of the structure, function and purpose of LVs and the limited time allocated to intervention delivery in training programmes. Qualitative surveys of health visitors/public health nurses have highlighted the need for more detailed and relevant training, particularly with regard to the recognition and treatment of a broad range of MHPs (not just depression) (Alexandrou, Sakellari, Kourakos, & Sapountzi‐Krepia, ; Ashford, Ayers, & Olander, ; Cummings & Whittaker, ; Higgins et al, ; Jomeen, Glover, Jones, Garg, & Marshall, ).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…These are often comorbid with each other (Biaggi, Conroy, Pawlby, & Pariante, ) or overlap with more complex or severe disorders (Vigod, Brown, Wilson, & Howard, ). Although the majority of women experience anxiety or depression, any clinician responsible for their care has to be aware of potential comorbidities, a diverse range of mental illnesses and the increased vulnerability of women to rapid deterioration in mental state or sudden onset of serious symptoms (Brummelte & Galea, ; Higgins, Downes, Carroll, Gill, & Monahan, ; NICE, ).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Using the TIDieR checklist to describe health visitor support for mothers with mental health problems: Analysis of a cross‐sectional survey

Lowenhoff

Davison-Fischer

Pike

et al. 2019

Health Soc Care Community

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At least half of the 20% of mothers who experience mental health problems (MHPs) during pregnancy or after birth are not receiving the help they need that will lead to recovery. In order to identify where improvements need to be made, it is necessary to describe exactly what is being done and the barriers and facilitators that compromise or enhance optimal care. The majority of mothers experience mild to moderate anxiety or depression. The expectation is that primary care professionals, such as health visitors (HVs), can provide the support they need that will lead to recovery. The aim of this study was to explore the views of HVs regarding the content and purpose of an intervention to support mothers with MHPs, described as ‘listening visits’ (LVs). A link to an online survey was offered to the members and champions of the Institute of Health Visiting (n = 9,474) March–May 2016. The survey was completed by 1,599 (17%) of the target population, of whom 85% were offering LVs. The Template for Intervention Description and Replication (TIDieR) checklist was used to provide a framework to describe commonalities and variations in practice. There appeared to be a shared understanding of the rationale for LVs but a lack of agreement about what the intervention should be called, the techniques that should be used and the duration, frequency and expected outcomes of the intervention. Contextual factors such as staff shortages; conflicting priorities; the needs and circumstances of mothers; the capability and motivation of HVs; inadequate training and supervision; and the absence of clear guidance contributed to variations in perceptions and practice. There are many ways in which the HV contribution to the assessment and management of mothers with MHPs could be improved. The intervention delivered by HVs needs to be more clearly articulated. The contextual factors influencing competent and consistent practice also need to be addressed.

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“…The participants of the current study also report the need for education and training. In the same way, (Higgins, Downes, Carroll, Gill, & Monahan, 2018) suggest that future education programmes need to move beyond postnatal depression and address the range of mental health problems that may impact women in the perinatal period.…”

Section: Need Of Educ Ati On and Tr Ainingmentioning

confidence: 99%

Health visitors' perceptions on their role to assess and manage postpartum depression cases in the community

Alexandrou

Sakellari

Kourakos

et al. 2018

Health Soc Care Community

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The present study gives an insight into the health visitors' perceptions on their role in assessing, managing, and supporting mothers with postpartum depression (PPD). The study took place in Cyprus among health visitors of a community Maternity and Child Welfare Clinic using qualitative approach. Data were collected through individual semistructured interviews. The findings showed that although health visitors are able to identify PPD cases, they stress the importance of protocols and evidence-based care as well as preventive interventions, and they also point out the importance of home visits. Finally, they support the need for education. It is concluded that health visitors can play an important role in women's health and their intervention on the prevention of PPD in the community especially through home visits is very important.

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There is more to perinatal mental health care than depression: Public health nurses reported engagement and competence in perinatal mental health care

Abstract: Without knowledge and skill among nurses in all aspects of perinatal mental health, women with significant mental health needs may be left to cope alone and lack the necessary prompt evidence-based interventions and supports.

Cited by 33 publications

References 36 publications

Public health nurses’ perinatal mental health training needs: A cross sectional survey

Public health nurses’ perinatal mental health training needs: A cross sectional survey

Using the TIDieR checklist to describe health visitor support for mothers with mental health problems: Analysis of a cross‐sectional survey

Health visitors' perceptions on their role to assess and manage postpartum depression cases in the community

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