Evaluation of perinatal and infant mental health care in Scotland

Background

This report presents the findings of a mixed methods research project which explored the views of women and health professionals in relation to new Perinatal and Infant Mental Health (PIMH) Services in Scotland.

This project is one of six studies designed to provide an overall evaluation of the PIMH programme, which arose from the commitments to improving perinatal and infant mental health in the 2018/19 Programme for Government and Better Mental Health in Scotland.

Further details on each of the six studies and their findings are provided on the evaluation of the perinatal and infant mental health programme section of our website.

Main points

The report highlights the need to: understand and mitigate the risks to perinatal and infant mental health arising from birth trauma; increase the awareness of perinatal and infant mental health and services which are available; ensure sufficient staffing levels to support the relationships between universal staff and the women they support in talking about mental health and accessing appropriate support; streamline services and improve communication regarding the referral process into specialist services. The report makes ten specific recommendations for improving PIMH Services in Scotland.

Further information

This publication is a stand-alone project and further releases are not planned at this time.