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Implementation-relevant characteristics of midwifery-led cognitive behavioural therapy-based interventions for perinatal mental health in primary care: a scoping review

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: INTRODUCTION: Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is an evidence-based approach for perinatal mental health, yet its integration into perinatal primary care remains limited. Midwifery-led CBT-based interventions may enhance continuity, accessibility, and acceptability within primary healthcare. To address the gap between evidence and practice, this scoping review mapped existing research on midwifery-led CBT-based interventions and synthesised implementation-relevant characteristics that facilitate their integration into primary care settings. METHODS: We conducted a scoping review following the Arksey and O'Malley framework and PRISMA-ScR guidelines. Five databases, MEDLINE, CINAHL Complete, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Scopus, were searched for studies published between 2004 and 2024. We synthesised data narratively across three domains: contextual, provider-related, and intervention-specific characteristics. Study quality was appraised using the SIGN checklist. RESULTS: Ten studies met the inclusion criteria. Recurring implementation-relevant characteristics were observed in target population selection, intervention timing, provider configuration, and delivery formats, while substantial heterogeneity was observed in baseline symptom severity, intervention intensity, and evaluation approaches across contexts. DISCUSSION: The recurring patterns identified across studies are likely to reflect pragmatic considerations related to feasibility within routine maternity care settings. In contrast, heterogeneity across the literature appears to reflect differences in intervention aims and care contexts, particularly preventive versus treatment-oriented approaches. CONCLUSION: This review provides a foundation for future research to support the integration of midwifery-led CBT-based interventions into perinatal primary care. It highlights the importance of clearly defining intervention intent, developing feasibility-informed implementation strategies, and improving reporting practices to enhance interpretability and comparability across studies.

Source: Midwifery

DOI: 10.1016/j.midw.2026.104745

Authors: Rino Nishida, Yoshiko Sakuma, Bilal Iqbal Avan, Louise Tina Day

Institutions: London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Faculty of Public Health

Language: English

Topic: Maternal Mental Health During Pregnancy and Postpartum

Subfield: Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,630