Clinical Psychology and Perinatal Mental Health Programs in hospitals in the Community of Madrid: Description and recommendations of Good Practices

Abstract

Specific attention to perinatal mental health is a key element in the healthcare system. In Spain and in the Community of Madrid, concern for perinatal mental health has been increasing in recent years. The objective of this work is to identify and describe the main perinatal psychological care programs and the first thousand days in the hospitals of the Madrid Health Service. Twelve Hospitals with complete or partial programs were identified. Their organizational and care characteristics are described. The ratios of perinatal clinical psychologists range from 0.04 to 0.51/10,000 deliveries and from 0.08 to 0.78/20 neonatology cribs in the region. Perinatal mental health care programs in the Madrid hospital network have been consolidated and expanded; however, there are inequities in the availability of this care. Good practice recommendations for implementing and improving these programs are provided.