National Perinatal Depression Initiative
The National Perinatal Depression Initiative (NPDI) is a 5-year Commonwealth and State funded initiative which aims to improve the prevention and early detection of antenatal and postnatal depression; and to provide better care, support and treatment for expectant and new mothers who are at risk or experiencing perinatal depression.
The rollout of universal routine screening for Perinatal Mental Health (PNMH) issues will be done by:
- extending routine and universal screening for depression using 2 short self-completion questionnaires: the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression scale and the new Antenatal & Postnatal Risk Questionnaires (ANRQ & PNRQ)
- increasing workforce training and development
- further identifying & developing pathways of care
- raising community awareness
In SA, screening during pregnancy will be introduced at the first midwifery contact. This is already happening in northern metropolitan Adelaide and at the Women's & Children's Hospital in central Adelaide. There are a small number of staff working across the state on the NPDI, including the Country Coordinator Carol-Ann Stanborough, dedicated to working with both metropolitan and country staff including GP's, Midwives, Aboriginal Maternal Infant Care workers (AMIC), Child Youth & Women's Health Services (CYWHS & CaFHS) staff and others including Adult Mental Health & CAMHS, GP Practice nurses and Remote area nurses. Training is given in the use of the nationally agreed screening tools; and awareness raised as to care and referral pathways for women identified as at risk of perinatal depression. PNMH Clinical positions are currently in the recruitment phase.
The PNMH Coordinators Implementation team have developed screening and referral pathways for nursing and midwifery staff. The coordinators engage and consult with clinical staff and management to ensure the smooth transition to universal screening.
Some staff in SA regions have participated in the 'Connecting Mums' training led by Dr Anne Sved-Williams or in the culturally appropriate Aboriginal program 'Connecting Mums, Babies, Family & Culture' which is now part of the advanced training attached to the NPDI. Training in PNMH screening and PNMH issues will continue to be offered into 2011. In particular, country areas will receive targeted training for midwives. The training will be offered via a variety of media including videoconferencing, e-learning, face to face, pre-study booklets and audio.
Universal screening in SA will include all antenatal women being offered the beyondblue information booklet "Emotional Health in Pregnancy and Early Parenthood". This includes an information card on support services in SA. There is also a new booklet targeting fathers called 'Hey Dad'. For further Perinatal mental health resources please go to the beyondblue website www.beyondblue.org.au
Postnatal Depression Awareness week is 14th to 20th November 2010. PNMH Coordinators are preparing resources and events to occur throughout SA to raise community awareness of these issues.
For more information please Email:
carol-ann.stanborough@health.sa.gov.au
or: tracy.semmler-booth@health.sa.gov.au