Clinician perspectives on specialist perinatal mental health service care pathways: An integrative review.
Emma Moran, Maria Noonan, Mas Mahady Mohamad et al.
✦ AI-curated · Sources linked
In 30 seconds
This systematic integrative review examined clinicians' perspectives on specialist perinatal mental health service care pathways. Analyzing 35 studies, it revealed that care pathways are often overly criteria-driven, leading to complex referral processes and service gaps. Clinicians emphasized the need for timely, equitable access and culturally sensitive care to improve outcomes for women with complex needs.
Key findings
- Care pathways were described as highly criteria-driven, complicating referrals and risking service gaps.
- Clinicians reported structural and relational factors affecting service accessibility and engagement.
- The review identified a need for flexible, culturally sensitive, trauma-informed care in integrated systems.
Why it matters
Understanding clinician perspectives on care pathways can inform improvements in perinatal mental health services, ensuring that they are more effective and equitable. This is crucial for addressing the needs of women, particularly those from minority groups or with complex needs.