After learning Flora’s Story, a Canadian mother who lost her life by suicide to postpartum depression, and in response to the startling statistics of perinatal mental health incidence in Canada & the province, the Carbonear General Health (CGH) Obstetrics Team focused their “MORE OB Milestone 6 objective” on Perinatal Mental Health.
In alignment with the Bill C-265 directed national strategy and through consultation with patient advisors, a mental health and patient focused inclusive pathway was developed. Their objective was, “to enhance their knowledge and to better understand the effects of mental health conditions during the perinatal period and to empower care providers to better support patients through their pregnancy and postpartum care.”
Today, every obstetrical patient in the care of the CGH Obstetrical Team provides a self-reported history that is inclusive of mental health related concerns at their first visit. An obstetrician provides universal mental health screening, as well as personalized treatment and specialist referral when applicable. All patients are referred to OBS Service at 30-weeks to meet with an RN to review each patient’s birth plan, including opportunity to individualize care, discuss alternative techniques for pain reduction, and address needs of individuals who have alternate family dynamics in relation to expected roles. These plans are implemented upon admission for delivery, continued throughout their stay, and translated to Public Health when going home to the community.
This new process went live April 1, 2023 at CGH, and the pathway has generated positive reviews by patients.
Way to go, Carbonear on your leadership and efforts in implementing this recent initiative!
