NEEDS AND CHALLENGES OF HOME VISITORS CONDUCTING PERINATAL DEPRESSION SCREENING

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.