Mental healthcare in the perinatal period: Perspectives on roles and training needs of current and future healthcare workers

Abstract

Perinatal mental health (PMH) disorders are common and can impact the health of women, their children and their partners. Pharmacists are accessible, trusted primary healthcare workers who are well-placed to contribute to early detection of and care for people experiencing PMH disorders. This thesis aimed to investigate pharmacists’ perspectives regarding potential roles in PMH care and explore PMH education in Australian and New Zealand tertiary healthcare curricula.

Pharmacists’ perspectives on community pharmacist-delivered perinatal depression (PND) screening, training and resource needs were investigated through open-ended questions on a questionnaire distributed across Australia. Data from 444 open-ended responses to three questions underwent inductive content analysis and relevant subcategories were then deductively mapped to the Theoretical Framework of Acceptability. Pharmacists were generally interested in, and accepting of providing PND screening, but also had concerns regarding inadequate resources and training.

To explore the PMH education landscape in Australia and New Zealand, 13 medical and pharmacy program provider representatives, representing 14 programs, were interviewed. Interviews were transcribed and inductively thematically analysed. Most representatives reported that their programs (n=11) covered PMH content; however, the time dedicated to PMH education varied. Opportunities for real-world practice experience and communication training were considered important elements of PMH education. Participants had varying views regarding PMH content, and highlighted a lack of practice opportunities, as well as minimal curricular space and time to cover PMH education.

This thesis demonstrated that pharmacists were accepting of being involved in PND screening, however, further training and resources are required. As PMH education in curricula varied further research evaluating the impact of different lengths and modes of PMH education is needed.