Electronic Measurement-based care (eMBC) for perinatal depression and anxiety: a pilot randomized controlled trial

Area of Science:

• Perinatal mental health
• Digital health interventions
• Clinical trial methodology

Background:

• Perinatal depression and anxiety affect many patients, with low treatment remission rates.
• Measurement-based care (MBC) is effective but not yet evaluated in perinatal populations.
• This study assessed the feasibility of an electronic MBC (eMBC) protocol for perinatal mental health.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the feasibility of implementing an eMBC protocol in perinatal patients with depression and/or anxiety symptoms.
• To assess recruitment, acceptability, and adherence to the eMBC protocol.
• To gather preliminary data on the impact of eMBC on depressive and anxiety symptoms.

Main Methods:

• A pilot randomized controlled trial (RCT) involving perinatal individuals with EPDS scores ≥13.
• Participants were randomized to either an eMBC intervention integrated into the EHR or usual care for 12 weeks.
• Feasibility outcomes included recruitment, acceptability, and adherence; clinical outcomes assessed were depressive and anxiety symptoms (MADRS, HAM-A).

Main Results:

• The study achieved good recruitment and high completion rates (76.2%).
• The eMBC protocol demonstrated good acceptability among participants and providers.
• While not statistically significant, the eMBC group showed a trend towards lower MADRS and HAM-A scores at 12 weeks.

Conclusions:

• The eMBC protocol is feasible for perinatal patients with depression and anxiety.
• The findings support a larger RCT to confirm the efficacy of eMBC.
• An EHR-integrated eMBC intervention has the potential for wide implementation in perinatal mental healthcare.