CLASP PNA
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Classification, outcomes and interventions for women with perinatal anxiety: a qualitative study.
IRAS ID
318194
Contact name
Carolyn Chew-Graham
Contact email
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 5 months, 29 days
Research summary
Background: The term “perinatal anxiety” refers to anxiety (excessive worrying, restlessness, nervousness) that occurs during pregnancy and/or up to 12 months after birth. During this period, women are at greater risk of experiencing common mental health disorders such as depression and anxiety. Our research will help raise awareness about this and support healthcare decisions, which is of further importance given that the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in a higher number of pregnant women experiencing mental health problems.\nPrevious research has focused on depression during the perinatal period, but we know far less about anxiety. What we do know is that anxiety may lead to depression and poor quality of life and may impact child development. It has been found in previous research that the knowledge among health care professionals is often limited about perinatal anxiety. This is likely to have negative effects on care received by women. \nThe current research employs qualitative approaches and is planned for two complementary studies: \na)\tSPCR-funded study: ‘Classification and outcomes of perinatal anxiety: implications for practice’ (CLASP). This study has two components: a Clinical Practice Research Datalink (CPRD) study which will identify risk factors for PNA; a qualitative study that will explore the perspectives of women and health care professionals on the usefulness and acceptability of determining the risk of PNA. \nb)\tDoctoral research study (Defining Optimal Interventions for Perinatal Anxiety) which aims to define a framework for intervention for PNA.\nAim: The overall aim is to improve the identification, management, and quality of care for women with perinatal anxiety (PNA). The qualitative component of the study aims to explore the perspectives of women with PNA and healthcare professionals on being labeled as “high risk” and identify clinical training needs. \nMethods:\nThe qualitative component of the study will use semi-structured interviews to explore the study participants’ perspectives. This method will allow the research team to explore, in detail, participants’ views around PNA and provide participants with opportunities to raise issues that are important to them, which have not been predicted by the research team. Four groups of participants will be invited to take part in this study: 1. Women who have personal experience of PNA (either currently or in the past two years) 2. Health Care Professionals (HCPs) 3. Mental health service commissioners and 4. Third sector perinatal mental health organisation representatives (referred to as ‘Third sector representatives’ throughout this protocol). \nImplications: The study outputs will benefit women and their partners, clinicians, academics, commissioners, third sector representatives, lay community groups and policymakers. A stakeholder workshop will be held with women and their partners, clinicians, commissioners and members of our PAG and CAG. The outputs from this workshop will include recommendations for policy and practice, information for women and families about PNA delivered and co-produced using innovative methods (and this will be carried forward by PAG and CAG), advice on other dissemination activities and ideas for future research.\nPatient and Public Involvement and stakeholder involvement: \nA separate patient advisory group (PAG) and a clinical advisory group (CAG) have been formed for the SPCR CLASP study. Members of each group will contribute towards study development, topic guide development, and data analysis and will advise and support the dissemination of findings.\nIt is for this second, qualitative component we are seeking HRA ethical approval. The CPRD study (ISAC protocol) already received ethical approval. \n
REC name
London - Surrey Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
23/PR/1095
Date of REC Opinion
16 Nov 2023
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion