Enhancing Timely Access to acute Psychiatric care@home for Women after birth

The "Treatment at Home" program aims to address psychological stress situations early to avoid psychiatric hospitalization and the associated separation from the child.

Factsheet

Situation

Perinatal mental health disorders (PPE) represent a significant global health concern. Prevalence in Western industrialized countries stands at 20%, with approximately 17% of mothers affected in Switzerland. Timely interventions are crucial for minimizing adverse outcomes. Guidelines recommend avoiding mother-infant separations in instances where treatment is necessary, and advocate for targeted measures to strengthen the mother and child bond. The limited availability of psychiatric clinics offering mother-infant services in CH creates access barriers such as long waiting times and the lack of childcare. Home-based care has the potential to mitigate barriers and foster family cohesion. The project aims to develop and implement an interprofessional Care@home service for the postnatal period to enhance timely access.

Course of action

A research proposal is being developed that aims to outline an initial new care model based on descriptions of best practice models from abroad. This model will be further developed and validated in a follow-up study through focus group interviews with healthcare professionals and individual interviews with women/families. The ultimate goal of the follow-up study is to test the feasibility of the new care model.

Result

By the end of the year, a research proposal will be prepared to submit to a potential funding institution for financing a follow-up study (development and testing of a new care model.

Looking ahead

The development of a patient-centered Care@home model for mothers with psychological stress contributes to the prevention of serious consequences for women and their families and supports family systems in coping with challenging situations.

This project contributes to the following SDGs

  • 3: Good health and well-being