Partnering with partners: a quality improvement project in perinatal intensive outpatient programming

Area of Science:

• Perinatal mental health
• Couples therapy
• Quality improvement studies

Background:

• Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders (PMADs) are common childbirth complications.
• Intensive Outpatient Programming (IOP) treats severe PMADs and supports birthing patient-infant bonding.
• Non-birthing partners are crucial for their own mental health and supporting birthing patients.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and implement a program for partners of patients in perinatal IOP.
• To improve partner understanding of PMADs, promote well-being, and enhance support skills.
• To foster intimate relationship functioning within the perinatal context.

Main Methods:

• A quality improvement study involving a 1-3 session program (Partner Project) for couples in perinatal IOP.
• 17 couples participated, with assessments of anxiety, depression, and bonding.
• Program goals included enhancing partner knowledge, well-being, support skills, and relationship functioning.

Main Results:

• Patient anxiety, depression, and bonding symptoms significantly decreased post-treatment.
• Partners' discussions revealed important insights into self-harm, coping, and mental health.
• High satisfaction was reported, with referrals for further individual, couples, and group therapies.

Conclusions:

• The Partner Project adapted evidence-based interventions for perinatal IOP, showing treatment interest and satisfaction.
• Including partners in perinatal mental health treatment benefits patients, partners, and infants.
• Addressing partner PMADs and relational dynamics is vital for comprehensive perinatal care.