Uncovering what hurts and what helps: a patient work systems analysis of contextual factors impacting access to perinatal mental health care in Toronto, Canada
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Perinatal mental health (PMH) challenges impact numerous mothers in Canada, with disproportionate effects observed within racialised populations. Despite increasing awareness, disparities in access to care continue to persist. This study explores the lived experiences of racialised mothers accessing PMH care in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), with a focus on contextual factors across the patient work system. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with sixteen racialised mothers within one-year postpartum. Data analysis employed an inductive thematic approach with emergent themes and contextual factors mapped across the patient work system. Findings underscored an interaction between micro- and macro-level, wherein varying levels of trust, comfort, and self-reliance corresponded with care that was fragmented, delayed, or absent. At the meso-level, emotionally engaged providers, multimodal services, and robust community-based support emerged as areas of resilience. Grounded in the patient work of racialised mothers, preliminary design recommendations are proposed for the design of proactive PMH care systems. This study identifies contextual barriers and facilitators affecting perinatal mental health (PMH) care access among racialised mothers in Toronto, Canada. Findings highlight tensions between person-related characteristics and PMH care system design. Design recommendations are provided to offer practical tools for addressing barriers and leveraging opportunities at each level.
Source: Figshare
Language: English
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7219693077