Antenatal mental health screening in the NHS - assessment of feasibility and acceptability of using a multi-dimensional questionnaire approach
Year: 2016
Type: dissertation
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: An increasing shift towards developing pregnancy specific psychosocial multi-dimensional screening instruments has been identified through a literature review, and the acceptability of potential screening instruments to both women and healthcare professionals was identified as an important factor. \n \nThe presented feasibility survey design study aimed to identify whether an alternative instrument, not yet validated in English, namely the Tilburg Pregnancy Distress Scale- a Modified English version (TPDS-ME), is an acceptable multi-dimensional screening instrument as judged by both pregnant women and healthcare professionals for use within the NHS setting. \n \nThe study was a cross-sectional survey to explore acceptability of TPDS-ME and generate preliminary data of acceptability and feasibility of using expanded screening instruments. Self-reported questionnaires were administered to a pregnant women (n=150) and healthcare professionals (n=50). Hospital records were reviewed following pregnancy completion to gather demographic, clinical and mental health history data. Data analysis included descriptive and correlational statistics and content analysis of open ended narrative responses. \n \nTPDS-ME was found to be highly acceptable to both pregnant women and healthcare professionals. An indication of negative views held regarding the Whooley questions (current UK practice) was an incidental finding. \n \nThis thesis recommends further research exploring the validity of TPDS-ME with a large representative sample, and further exploration of the validity and acceptability of current practice versus introduction of alternative screening instruments. A practice recommendation is to audit documentation and consistency surrounding maternal mental health assessment.
Author: Stacie Davies
Language: English
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W2307015401