Virtual Platform Adaptation of Perinatal Depression Support Group: A Quality Improvement Study [ID: 1365608

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Group therapy interventions have shown to improve scores on postpartum depression and anxiety inventories. Our institution underwent transition from in-person (IP) to virtual platform (VP) over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic. The study's objective is to examine whether VP has similar participation rates and outcomes as IP. METHODS: This is a retrospective study of women who attended the perinatal mood disorders (PMD) support group. Between January 2019 and June 2021, the group transitioned from IP to VP sessions. Participants attending both IP and VP sessions were excluded. The participation rates and outcomes of IP and VP support groups were compared. Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Score (EPDS) and Mills Inventory (MI) were used to assess clinical improvement. P value of .05 is considered significant. RESULTS: One hundred thirty-seven women (85 [62%] IP and 52 [38%] VP) participated. Baseline characteristics were similar (P>.05). Most of the participants were 1–6 months postpartum (P=.38). The average number of sessions attended by IP was 3.86 versus 3.76 by VP (P=.41). The preintervention average EPDS scores were 15.56 in IP versus 14.76 in VP (P=.79), and MI scores were 52.48 (IP) versus 46.06 in VP (P=.07). The EPDS and MI mean scores decreased postintervention. The average decrease in EPDS score is 5.08 in IP versus 6 in VP (P=.36). The average decrease in MI score is 17.86 in IP versus 15.56 in VP (P=.25). CONCLUSION: The VP has similar participation and outcomes as IP format. The VP is a feasible and effective method of delivering support to women with PMD.