MotherFirst: developing a maternal mental health strategy in Saskatchewan
Lindsey Bruce1, Daniel Béland, Angela Bowen
1Johnson-Shoyama Graduate School of Public Policy, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK.
Healthcare Policy = Politiques De Sante
|August 24, 2013
Summary
Maternal mental health policies are lacking. The MotherFirst project in Saskatchewan aimed to improve maternal mental healthcare and awareness through multi-stakeholder collaboration and policy development.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Health Policy
- Maternal Health
Background:
- Maternal mental health issues affect up to 20% of women.
- Significant gaps exist in policy for prevention, identification, and treatment of maternal mental health problems.
- Jurisdictions worldwide lack comprehensive maternal mental healthcare policies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the MotherFirst project, a policy initiative in Saskatchewan, Canada.
- To critically evaluate the project's effectiveness in improving maternal mental healthcare and public awareness.
- To provide insights for similar policy development in maternal mental health.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a policy cycle framework for critical analysis.
- Examined the strengths of multi-stakeholder partnerships and relationship building.
- Investigated challenges in decision-making and implementation stages.
Main Results:
- The MotherFirst project fostered diverse partnerships and public awareness campaigns.
- Strengths included collaboration and awareness-raising efforts.
- Challenges were identified in decision-making and implementation processes.
Conclusions:
- Multi-stakeholder collaboration is crucial for maternal mental health policy development.
- Addressing policy gaps requires strategic planning and overcoming implementation hurdles.
- The MotherFirst project offers valuable lessons for improving maternal mental healthcare policy.
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