Work

Digital perinatal mental health screening and psychosocial assessment using iCOPE: experiences and insights from healthcare providers

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: There has been growing interest and investment in digital delivery of perinatal mental health screening and psychosocial assessment, including in Australia. However few studies have reported on experiences of digital screening from the perspective of healthcare providers. AIM: This study aimed to report on healthcare provider experiences of using iCOPE - a digital perinatal mental health screening platform - and to explore the perceived benefits and actionable opportunities for further refinement of this digital approach to care. METHODS: A cross-sectional study design with an anonymous online survey was undertaken. Descriptive statistics and chi-square tests were used to examine quantitative data, and thematic analysis was used to explore qualitative data. RESULTS: Over 400 healthcare providers completed the survey between May 2023 and May 2025. Overall, 80% would recommend iCOPE, and most agreed or strongly agreed that it reassured them that women were informed of their results (82.7%), increased confidence in interpreting results (69.1%), allowed more time for discussion (61.5%), supported screening in diverse language groups (60.4%), and improved disclosure rates (59.8%). Longer-term use (i.e., >12 months) was significantly associated with more positive experiences. Key benefits of using iCOPE included its comprehensive, inclusive, woman-centred approach and time-saving features. Suggestions for improvement focused on workflow and system integration, engagement and accessibility, and risk management. CONCLUSIONS: Findings from this large self-report study of healthcare providers contributes to the growing body of literature evaluating the role of digital technologies in routine health care and highlights the benefits as well as the complexity of delivering digital mental health screening and psychosocial assessment to expectant and new parents in real-world practice.

Source: Midwifery

DOI: 10.1016/j.midw.2026.104819

Authors: N. Reilly, K. Adams, M. Grant, A. Beeston, C. Rae, N. Highet

Institutions: University of Wollongong, University of Newcastle Australia

Language: English

Topic: Maternal Mental Health During Pregnancy and Postpartum

Subfield: Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Reduced inequalities

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,630