ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Postpartum depression is a major public health concern, which is associated with negative consequences for both mothers and children. Unfortunately, many affected women neither understand the warning signs of postpartum depression nor do they know where to seek help. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of SmartMoms, a German mobile web application (web app) designed to inform women about postpartum depression, support them, and provide an easily accessible self-screening instrument. METHODS: After its development, SmartMoms was distributed through healthcare providers and social media. Feasibility was assessed by examining (1) the experience of postpartum women with the web app, (2) user behaviour, and (3) the experience of healthcare providers with the web app and its distribution. A mixed methods approach was used, including online surveys, usage data, and interviews. RESULTS: Most women used SmartMoms to prevent postpartum depression and rated the web app as good (on average 4.36 out of 5 stars). The majority of women (62.2%) accessing the self-screening instrument showed a risk for postpartum depression (Edinburgh Postnatal Depression scale score ≥ 12). Most providers (n = 12/13) felt supported through SmartMoms in discussing postpartum depression and considered it a useful offer. Suggestions for improvement were provided. CONCLUSIONS: SmartMoms meets the needs and expectations of mothers and healthcare providers interested in postpartum depression but should be further adapted to include more specific support options and additional information for professionals.
Subject(s)
Depression, Postpartum , Mobile Applications , Child , Female , Humans , Depression, Postpartum/diagnosis , Depression, Postpartum/prevention & control , Mothers , Postpartum Period , Public HealthABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Postpartum depression (PPD) is one of the most common mental illnesses in the postpartum period. If left untreated, it can have serious consequences for the mother-child relationship and the development of the child. In order to prevent possible negative effects, early diagnosis of affected mothers and professional care are essential. AIM OF THE STUDY: This article explores the sense of responsibility of the four primary care providers in the postpartum period-midwives, gynaecologists, general practitioners and paediatricians-and examines how they deal with the disease as well as the barriers and possibilities for optimisation in care. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The primary care providers of postpartum women in Germany were interviewed in four independent studies. Quantitative questionnaires were used to interview midwives, gynaecologists and general practitioners, and a qualitative telephone survey was conducted with representatives of the German Association of Paediatricians and Adolescents (BVKJ). A systematic comparative analysis was carried out. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: Midwives and gynaecologists showed a significantly higher sense of responsibility for the recognition and treatment of PPD than general practitioners and paediatricians. Closer interdisciplinary cooperation and thus a wider range of referral and therapy options were named by all four professional groups as a central prerequisite for improving the care situation in Germany. A uniform regulation of financial remuneration is also an important aspect for all providers.
Subject(s)
Depression, Postpartum , General Practice , Gynecology , Midwifery , Pediatrics , Adolescent , Child , Depression, Postpartum/diagnosis , Depression, Postpartum/therapy , Female , Germany , Humans , PregnancyABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES: Choosing the right mentor is crucial for effective mentorship. Yet, many medical students have difficulties finding a suitable mentor. Thus we developed mentoring speed dating (MSD) as a promising matching tool to connect students and faculty mentors successfully. The purpose of this study was to explore mentees' and mentors' experience with MSD and investigate the impact of MSD on the perceived mentorship quality and continuance of the mentoring relationship. METHODS: The authors completed a mixed methods study at the University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Germany, between June 2011 and March 2014. They conducted four focus groups with mentees and mentors who participated in a mentoring speed dating event and analyzed transcripts using conventional content analysis with inductive categorizing. In addition, three mentoring cohorts (two matched via MSD, one matched via conventional online profiles) were surveyed on mentorship satisfaction and the 1-year continuance of their mentorship was monitored. Fifteen mentees and fifteen mentors participated in the focus groups. The authors identified several themes such as short and long term benefits of MSD and fulfillment of expectations. Benefits included finding out about the personal connection, matching expectations, providing an efficient overview of candidates. The survey was completed by 93 students (n = 29 without MSD; n = 64 with MSD). Independent t-tests and multivariate analysis of variance were used to analyze the impact of MSD on student's mentorship satisfaction. RESULTS: There were significant differences in responses to the items "Commitment of mentor" (p = .019) and "Constructive feedback" (p = .038) among the students who attended MSD and the students without MSD. After one year far more mentoring relationships existed among those mentees who participated in MSD in comparison to the "no MSD group". CONCLUSION: MSD is a valuable matching tool with beneficial effects on the mentorship quality. It enhances essential factors in the mentoring relationship such as commitment and satisfaction.