The Importance of Patient-Centered Research in the Promotion of Postpartum Mental Health.

Ariana M. Albanese,Pamela A. Geller,Jennifer L. Barkin,Christina A. Sikes

doi:10.3389/fpsyt.2021.720106

Abstract

Though individuals, foundations, and governments have economically invested in improving maternal-child health for decades, the advancement of newborn and family health outcomes has proved elusive in multiple regions of the globe (1).1 Additionally, though researchers often seek the perspective of pregnant and postpartum patients concerning their experience of healthcare or specific models of care (2), the maternity care research issues which mothers believe ought to be prioritized are understudied (3). There is also substantial evidence of a mismatch between postpartum healthcare offerings and the support desired by mothers, particularly with regard to a relative neglect of the maternal psychosocial experience (4–7). It thus is becoming increasingly clear that mothers' experiences must be central to research aimed at improving maternal postpartum mental health. This opinion article therefore echoes calls for increased patient-centered research efforts in postpartum care (8), while emphasizing the value of this mode of inquiry for the promotion of maternal mental health specifically.

Highlights

Though individuals, foundations, and governments have economically invested in improving maternal-child health for decades, the advancement of newborn and family health outcomes has proved elusive in multiple regions of the globe [1].1 though researchers often seek the perspective of pregnant and postpartum patients concerning their experience of healthcare or specific models of care [2], the maternity care research issues which mothers believe ought to be prioritized are understudied [3]
As the experts on their experience, mothers ought to be actively involved in the direction of research and clinical care in the postpartum period
Previous work has demonstrated the positive impact of patientcentered care on mental health outcomes

Summary

Introduction

Foundations, and governments have economically invested in improving maternal-child health for decades, the advancement of newborn and family health outcomes has proved elusive in multiple regions of the globe [1].1 though researchers often seek the perspective of pregnant and postpartum patients concerning their experience of healthcare or specific models of care [2], the maternity care research issues which mothers believe ought to be prioritized are understudied [3]. It is becoming increasingly clear that mothers’ experiences must be central to research aimed at improving maternal postpartum mental health. This opinion article echoes calls for increased patient-centered research efforts in postpartum care [8], while emphasizing the value of this mode of inquiry for the promotion of maternal mental health .

Results

Conclusion