Telemedicine in perinatal mental health: perspectives

Abstract

Background: The prevalence of perinatal mood and anxiety disorders has significantly increased with the COVID-19 pandemic. In parallel, the pandemic has caused a major shift in delivery of care to telemedicine. Purpose: This article aimed to discuss the different advantages and disadvantages of telemedicine for perinatal mental health. Telemedicine has significant benefits for perinatal mental health patients, including increased accessibility to specialized care, direct observation of child-parent interactions in their home environment, and facilitation of collaborative work between obstetrical providers and psychiatrists. Alternatively, telemedicine may impede recovery and contribute to an increase in social isolation. The use of telemedicine by obstetrical care providers may also contribute to a reduction in screening and identification of these disorders. Conclusion: A hybrid model of in-person and telemedicine delivery of care may serve as a durable compromise solution for these women and their families.

Keywords

• depression
• postpartum
• perinatal care
• telemedicine
• delivery of health care
• maternal health