Surveying providers to identify gaps in perinatal mental health services during the COVID-19 pandemic

Tarasoff, L.; Ou, C.; Hooykaas, A.; Charlebois, J.; Tomfohr-Madsen, L.; Tomasi, P.

Objectives: In Canada, an estimated 20% of women experience perinatal mental illness. Rates are elevated during the COVID-19 pandemic. Poor mental health affects expectant and new parents’ overall emotional and physical well-being, and has consequences for children, families, and society. Services currently available to those experiencing perinatal mental illness in Canada are largely inadequate and issues are magnified during COVID-19. This presentation offers findings from the Canadian Perinatal Mental Health Collaborative survey, which examines gaps in perinatal mental health service delivery. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional online survey of Canadian perinatal health care providers. Providers (N=405) were recruited via social media. Results: The majority of providers (87%) do not have mandated screening for perinatal mental illness at their workplace. When women are screened and have symptoms indicative of needing intervention, 61% of providers reported wait times of 1-12 months for services. Mental health services provided are disparate across health regions. Half (50%) reported that they have not received specialized training in perinatal mental illness. Providers identified significant barriers in service provision, with language and/or lack of culturally-appropriate counselling services being cited by 87%. Providers reported that COVID-19 has complicated access to care, including reduced in-person visits and overall services. Conclusions: The survey findings underscore a critical need for anational perinatal mental health strategy to address gaps in screening and treatment. Obstetricians and other perinatal care providers should integrate screening for mood disorders into routine practice while systemic changes are required to ensure accessible and culturally safe treatment of perinatal mental illness across Canada.