Understanding partners' experiences of CPMHS
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Understanding partners' experiences of community perinatal mental health services (CPMHS): A grounded theory approach
IRAS ID
323680
Contact name
Emily Elkington
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Teesside University
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
2023 Mar 13235 ELKINGTON, Teesside University Research Ethics Review Reference
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 11 months, 30 days
Research summary
Perinatal mental health (PMH) difficulties, such as depression, anxiety and psychosis, occur during pregnancy and the first year following childbirth and can have a detrimental impact on women. When women experience moderate to severe PMH difficulties, the whole family is affected. Such difficulties contribute to negative outcomes in children and make partners more vulnerable to mental health problems. Partners often form women’s main support in the community and play an important role in their recovery from PMH difficulties. Women who are well supported by their partner are more likely to recover faster and need less input from specialist services. Partners also have a key role in protecting children from the negative effects of PMH difficulties.
Despite the important role of partners, their voices are under-represented in studies of PMH care. Recent research has begun to explore partners and family members’ experiences of a range of specialist and non-specialist services supporting women with PMH difficulties. However, there is no research available that has attempted to develop a theory that provides an understanding of how partners experience community perinatal mental health services (CPMHS).
This study will recruit partners of women who are currently accessing, or have previously accessed, a CPMHS. Participants will be recruited from NHS CPMHS in England and through charities supporting women and partners in England. In-depth interviews will be conducted with partners to generate understanding of their experiences of CPMHS. A theory will be developed through the analysis of interview data that captures and explains the processes, actions and interactions experienced by partners throughout the care journey. This research intends to inform policy, guidance, staff training, and service delivery around the support and involvement needs of partners.
The research is being conducted by a student in part fulfilment of a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology course and is not funded.
REC name
West of Scotland REC 3
REC reference
23/WS/0068
Date of REC Opinion
22 May 2023
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion