Perinatal depression and/or anxiety (PNDA) affects up to 1 in 5 women, impacting the health of the entire family (COPE, 2017). Online PNDA therapies can provide a potential solution for overcoming barriers to appropriate treatment related to remoteness and pandemic restrictions; however, there are challenges associated with implementation (Ross et al., 2014). In a 2018-2020 Translational Research Grant Scheme (TRGS) study we investigated how isolated new mothers in NSW engaged with an online PNDA treatment program (de Haan et al., 2020). The findings showed that clinicians who work with new mothers are integral in supporting them to access and engage with online therapies. The study identified a range of barriers and facilitators for both the mothers and the clinicians in engaging with online support programs. The mothers need to know that such programs exist and require support with accessing the program appropriate for them. The clinicians need to be resourced with equipment and web access, be confident with the online space, and aware of program content so referral can be made to the specific program relevant for the individual new mum.

This presentation will focus on the second phase of the research which used a Participatory Action Research approach, conducted across 2 rural local health districts, which sought to explore what clinicians, who worked with isolated new mothers, need to be able to effectively engage with online PNDA therapies. Three rounds of focus groups were held which enabled clinicians to discuss barriers and enablers. Collaboratively, participants worked with researchers to develop solutions relevant to them that focused on supporting the engagement of the mums with online therapies. This resulted in an innovative education program and a new model of care. Outcomes are readily translatable, and the methodology demonstrated the significance of engaging clinicians with research.

Perinatal depression and/or anxiety (PNDA) affects up to 1 in 5 women, impacting the health of the entire family (COPE, 2017). Online PNDA therapies can provide a potential solution for overcoming barriers to appropriate treatment related to remoteness and pandemic restrictions; however, there are challenges associated with implementation (Ross et al., 2014). In a 2018-2020 Translational Research Grant Scheme (TRGS) study we investigated how isolated new mothers in NSW engaged with an online PNDA treatment program (de Haan et al., 2020). The findings showed that clinicians who work with new mothers are integral in supporting them to access and engage with online therapies. The study identified a range of barriers and facilitators for both the mothers and the clinicians in engaging with online support programs. The mothers need to know that such programs exist and require support with accessing the program appropriate for them. The clinicians need to be resourced with equipment and web access, be confident with the online space, and aware of program content so referral can be made to the specific program relevant for the individual new mum.

This presentation will focus on the second phase of the research which used a Participatory Action Research approach, conducted across 2 rural local health districts, which sought to explore what clinicians, who worked with isolated new mothers, need to be able to effectively engage with online PNDA therapies. Three rounds of focus groups were held which enabled clinicians to discuss barriers and enablers. Collaboratively, participants worked with researchers to develop solutions relevant to them that focused on supporting the engagement of the mums with online therapies. This resulted in an innovative education program and a new model of care. Outcomes are readily translatable, and the methodology demonstrated the significance of engaging clinicians with research.