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Prenatal Depression Screening, Referral Improves After Online Provider Training
Screening for prenatal depression and referral for care increased after providers underwent a brief online training intervention, according to study results published in Women’s Health Issues, a publication of the Jacob’s Institute of Women’s Health at George Washington University.
“Prenatal depression is associated with numerous deleterious maternal and child health outcomes,” explained corresponding author Jenn A. Leiferman, PhD, of the Colorado School of Public Health in Aurora, Colorado, and coauthors in the study introduction. “Providers play a significant role in managing (ie, identifying and treating or referring to care for) prenatal depression.”
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The randomized controlled trial looked at the effects of a brief online training on practices surrounding the management of women with prenatal depression. A total of 108 physicians, nurses, mental health specialists, and public health educators from Colorado and Virginia were randomized either to undergo training, which addressed guidelines and evidence-based practices for managing prenatal depression, or to a waitlist control.
Changes in participant knowledge, attitudes, and self-reported practices were assessed using the Management of Maternal Depression Inventory at baseline, 6 weeks later, and 12 weeks after baseline.
Throughout the study, the group that received the training reported improved satisfaction working with mental health services as well as enhanced self-efficacy. Providers also reported increased screening, counseling, and referral for prenatal depression after undergoing the training, according to the study.
“Findings from our study suggest a brief online training may enhance the likelihood of providers screening, treating, and/or referring at-risk patients for follow-up care for prenatal depression,” researchers advised.
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