Integrated care is essential due to the relationship between maternal psychiatric issues and child development.
Objective
This pilot study aims to assess the effectiveness of an existing care pathway between Mental Health Care institutions for adults and Infant Mental Health (IMH) in the Amsterdam region for pregnant women and their families during the perinatal period.
Methodology
Pregnant women over 18 years old with psychiatric issues are included at the POP outpatient clinics of OLVG during the first trimester. Follow-up consultations occur at 34 weeks and six weeks postpartum. Patients are referred to daycare for pregnant women of GGZ Arkin and mothers with a higher risk of bonding issues participate in a parent-child group after birth.
Evaluation
The care pathway’s impact will be assessed using:
1. Questionnaires on psychological complaints.
2. Questionnaires on parent-child bonding.
3. Patient experience surveys, focus groups, and interviews.
This pathway promotes cooperation between POP clinics, IMH, and GGZ Arkin to offer tailored therapeutic interventions in a care pathway for patients with psychiatric vulnerability.
The care pathway aims to improve parents’ mental well-being and provide children with a promising start. Findings will guide the development of best practices for nationwide implementation.
