A qualitative examination of the implementation of a perinatal collaborative care program

Area of Science:

• Perinatal mental health
• Implementation science
• Collaborative care models

Background:

• Perinatal depression poses significant risks to maternal and infant outcomes.
• Access to psychiatric treatment for perinatal depression is often limited.
• Collaborative care (CC) shows promise in primary care but requires specific adaptation for perinatal settings.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify successful implementation strategies for collaborative care (CC) in perinatal settings.
• To develop a guide for establishing perinatal collaborative care (pCC) programs.
• To address barriers in implementing CC for perinatal depression.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative interviews with 20 patients and 10 stakeholders of the COMPASS pCC program.
• Analysis using the Exploration, Preparation, Implementation, Sustainment (EPIS) framework.
• Organizing implementation strategies from Expert Recommendations for Implementing Change (ERIC).

Main Results:

• Identified 14 implementation strategies facilitating pCC implementation.
• Strategies spanned ERIC domains (planning, education, finance) and EPIS contexts.
• Patients and staff recognized most strategies as facilitators, with noted areas for improvement in educational material dissemination.

Conclusions:

• The COMPASS program serves as a model for developing pCC programs.
• Identified strategies can enhance the implementation of evidence-based practices for postpartum depression.
• Optimizing strategy dissemination, particularly educational materials for obstetric clinicians, is crucial for successful pCC implementation.