Consensus Bundle on Maternal Mental Health: Perinatal Depression and Anxiety

Area of Science:

• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Maternal Mental Health
• Patient Safety

Background:

• Perinatal mood and anxiety disorders are prevalent in women of reproductive age.
• Untreated disorders pose significant risks, including poor adherence to care, substance use, suicide, and infanticide.
• These conditions are linked to increased maternal and infant mortality and morbidity, highlighting a critical patient safety concern.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce an evidence-based patient safety bundle focused on perinatal mood and anxiety disorders.
• To provide direction for integrating screening, intervention, referral, and follow-up into maternity care.
• To support the implementation of this maternal mental health initiative across healthcare settings.

Main Methods:

• Development of an interdisciplinary work group convened by the Council on Patient Safety in Women's Health Care in 2015.
• Modeling the bundle after existing patient safety bundles from the Council.
• Focusing on a comprehensive approach to perinatal mood and anxiety disorders management.

Main Results:

• The commentary details the components of the patient safety bundle.
• It offers information and guidance for healthcare providers to implement the bundle.
• The bundle aims to standardize care for perinatal mood and anxiety disorders.

Conclusions:

• The patient safety bundle provides a framework for addressing perinatal mood and anxiety disorders.
• Effective implementation can improve maternal mental health outcomes and patient safety.
• This initiative represents a significant step in integrating mental health support into routine maternity care.