IngentaConnect GPs' and health visitors' views on the diagnosis and management o...

Abstract:

Background

In the UK, 8-15% of women suffer from postnatal depression, with long-term consequences for maternal mood and child development. Previous literature suggests that health visitors struggle with their conflicting roles with respect to mother and infant. Current policy is redirecting the emphasis and organisation of health visitor work, but guidelines state that health visitors and GPs should continue to have a major role in the detection and management of postnatal depression.

Aim

To explore the views of GPs and health visitors on the diagnosis and management of postnatal depression.

Design of study

A qualitative study nested within a multicentre randomised controlled trial.

Setting

Nine primary care trusts in Bristol, Manchester, and London.

Method

In-depth interviews with GPs and health visitors from primary care trusts participating in a randomised controlled trial of antidepressants versus health visitor-delivered non-directive counselling. Interviews were audiotaped and fully transcribed. Thematic analysis with an iterative approach was used to develop conceptual categories from the transcripts.

Results

Nineteen GPs and 14 health visitors were interviewed. GPs and health visitors described their work in making and negotiating the diagnosis of postnatal depression, the value of a long-term relationship with the woman, and how labelling affects management of women with postnatal depression. Responders described how they viewed others' roles in the management of postnatal depression, and how national policy and local organisational changes had an impact on patient care, so that no one health professional was assuming overall responsibility for the care of women with postnatal depression.

Conclusion

Ongoing organisational changes within primary care, such as the implementation of corporate working by health visitors, affect care provided to women after birth, which in turn has an impact on the diagnosis and management of postnatal depression.

Keywords: health visitors; qualitative research; postnatal depression; primary care

Document Type: Research article

DOI: 10.3399/bjgp08X277212

Affiliations: 1: School of Community-Based Medicine, University of Manchester; and National School for Primary Care Research, National Institute of Health Research, UK 2: Centre for Women's Studies, University of Manchester 3: Academic Unit of Primary Health Care, University of Bristol; and National School for Primary Care Research, National Institute of Health Research, UK 4: Academic Unit of Primary Health Care, University of Bristol 5: North West Deanery

The full text electronic article is available for purchase. You will be able to download the full text electronic article after payment.

$31.30 plus tax Refund Policy

GPs' and health visitors' views on the diagnosis and management of postnatal depression: a qualitative study