Katherine White

Bio: Katherine White is an academic researcher from Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. The author has contributed to research in topics: Mental health & Obstetric nursing. The author has an hindex of 1, co-authored 2 publications receiving 3 citations.

Midwives and assessment of perinatal mental health.

Abstract: Childbirth involves many psychological and emotional changes for women. The recent Commonwealth Government of Australia, National Perinatal Mental Health Action Plan (in 2008) recommends all pregnant and postnatal women have a psychosocial assessment including completion of the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale. Midwives will assess all women at antenatal 'booking in' to maternity services. Currently, midwives receive little education regarding mental health assessment of women. This study explored the perceptions of midwives of their own mental health skills, knowledge and experiences, when working with women with mental illness in the perinatal period. An exploratory descriptive design was utilized to survey midwives across 19 maternity sites in Victoria, Australia. Clearly, midwives lack mental health skills and knowledge, describing their lack of confidence and feeling uncomfortable and unsafe when providing care for women with mental illness. They also report little knowledge of resources available to provide appropriate services for these women. The future direction for improving maternity care will require midwives to assess mental health needs of women, and refer them on, for timely intervention. It is critical midwives are prepared and able to make this kind of assessment.

Midwives and assessment of perinatal mental health

Abstract: Childbirth involves many psychological and emotional changes for women. The recent Commonwealth Government of Australia, National Perinatal Mental Health Action Plan (in 2008) recommends all pregnant and postnatal women have a psychosocial assessment including completion of the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale. Midwives will assess all women at antenatal ‘booking in’ to maternity services. Currently, midwives receive little education regarding mental health assessment of women. This study explored the perceptions of midwives of their own mental health skills, knowledge and experiences, when working with women with mental illness in the perinatal period. An exploratory descriptive design was utilized to survey midwives across 19 maternity sites in Victoria, Australia. Clearly, midwives lack mental health skills and knowledge, describing their lack of confidence and feeling uncomfortable and unsafe when providing care for women with mental illness. They also report little knowledge of resources available to provide appropriate services for these women. The future direction for improving maternity care will require midwives to assess mental health needs of women, and refer them on, for timely intervention. It is critical midwives are prepared and able to make this kind of assessment.