PRAMS
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Using experience-based co-design to improve access to perinatal mental health care for women in underserved groups.
IRAS ID
349836
Contact name
Kelly Mackenzie
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University Of Sheffield
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 6 months, 1 days
Research summary
Mental health problems in pregnancy and in the early days of parenthood are common. Recent research has shown there is a gap in access to mental health care for women from underserved groups, such as those from ethnic minority backgrounds or living in deprived areas. Some women experience delays or difficulties in getting access to mental health support and this can lead to problems with their health and their child’s development. Whilst we know this is an important issue, we do not yet fully understand the reasons that lead to these inequalities or how to address them. Using an approach called Experience Based Co-Design will allow us to put patients at the centre of the process to design and develop a solution to this problem.
We will work with women who experience mental health problems in pregnancy and early parenthood to talk about the challenges of getting access to support. Through surveys and interviews we will explore the experiences of healthcare staff members who provide mental health support for women in this period. Women from local underserved groups will work with healthcare and public health professionals to co-design an intervention for mental health problems in pregnancy and early parenthood. We will work together to spread awareness of the intervention and our findings.
REC name
London - Bromley Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
24/PR/1495
Date of REC Opinion
14 Jan 2025
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion