Internet-based interventions for postpartum anxiety: exploring health visitors' views

Area of Science:

• Maternal Health
• Digital Mental Health
• Healthcare Professional Perspectives

Background:

• Postpartum anxiety interventions are evolving with internet-based options.
• Health visitors (HVs) are key in postpartum care and their views are crucial for implementation.
• Understanding HV perspectives is vital before introducing new digital mental health tools.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore health visitors' views on the acceptability of internet-based postpartum anxiety interventions.
• To identify potential implementation strategies for these interventions in UK primary care.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative study employing semi-structured interviews with 13 UK health visitors.
• Thematic analysis was used to analyze verbatim interview transcripts.

Main Results:

• HVs viewed internet interventions as suitable for a subset of women, citing benefits like accessibility and anonymity.
• Concerns included reduced human contact, digital literacy, and IT access.
• Feasible implementation involved providing information flyers and requiring evidence of efficacy and training.

Conclusions:

• Internet-based interventions present opportunities and challenges for postpartum anxiety care.
• Careful consideration of HVs' concerns and practical implementation strategies is necessary.
• Successful integration requires addressing digital divides and ensuring adequate training and evidence.