Faculty Collaboration Database

NEEDS AND CHALLENGES OF HOME VISITORS CONDUCTING PERINATAL DEPRESSION SCREENING. Infant Ment Health J 2017 Jul;38(4):523-535

Date

06/16/2017

Pubmed ID

28618008

DOI

10.1002/imhj.21656

Scopus ID

2-s2.0-85021207115 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site)   5 Citations

Abstract

This article describes the needs and challenges faced by home visitors, supervisors, and clients when conducting perinatal depression screening. Home visitors (n = 11), supervisors (n = 5), and clients (n = 9) representing rural and urban practice settings in Wisconsin were recruited into three separate focus groups. Themes were identified from the transcribed audio-recorded interviews using content analysis. Results indicate that a trusting relationship was leveraged to facilitate depression screening and referral. Home visitors personalized care to a client's context and to protect confidentiality. Home-visiting practice demanded flexibility and negotiation in decision-making with clients and families. Coordinating access to mental health evaluation in areas of limited access was a common challenge. Participants reported a need for further training on safety management. With adequate training and support, home visitors are well-positioned to promote access to mental health services in vulnerable families to support infant mental health.

Author List

Doering JJ, Maletta K, Laszewski A, Wichman CL, Hammel J

Authors

Jennifer Doering PhD Associate Professor in the Nursing department at University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee
Christina L. Wichman DO Professor in the Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine department at Medical College of Wisconsin

MESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold

Depression
Female
Health Services Accessibility
Humans
Mental Health Services
Needs Assessment
Perinatal Care
Pregnancy
Pregnancy Complications