Facilitators of and barriers to perinatal telepsychiatry care: a qualitative study

OBJECTIVES: Perinatal mental health disorders such as anxiety, depression and bipolar disorder can negatively impact the health of women and their children without appropriate detection and treatment. Due to increases in mental health symptoms and transmission risks associated with in-person appointments, many clinics transitioned to providing telepsychiatry care during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study sought to identify the facilitators and barriers to receiving perinatal telepsychiatry care from the perspective of patients, clinic staff and psychiatrists. DESIGN: Qualitative study based on analysis of in depth semistructured interviews. SETTING: The study was conducted in a virtual specialty mental health clinic in an academic setting. PARTICIPANTS: Eight patients who had been scheduled for an appointment with the perinatal telepsychiatry clinic between 14 May 2021 and 1 August 2021, seven of whom had attended their scheduled appointment with the clinic and one of whom had not, and five staff members including psychiatrists, navigators and clinic managers, participated in in-depth interviews. RESULTS: Telepsychiatry was perceived by most as preferable to in-person care and easy to attend and navigate. Alternatively, technological difficulties, personal preference for in-person care and scheduling conflicts related to the perinatal period were identified as barriers by some. Participants identified communication between care staff and patients, online patient portals, and appointment reminders as important for facilitating appointment preparedness and attendance. CONCLUSIONS: The findings from this study suggest that telepsychiatry services are perceived positively by patients and care staff and have the potential to improve access to mental healthcare for perinatal patients.