MORE than 2500 new mothers have been screened for perinatal depression and anxiety through a new Peninsula Health program.
Peninsula Health says that its iCOPE system is a “world-first online screening program to detect perinatal depression”. The program, a partnership between Peninsula Health and Centre of Perinatal Excellence, has been running for nearly a year.
It is estimated that more than 100,000 parents a year suffer from perinatal depression or anxiety. Peninsula Health says that around 74 per cent of women with perinatal anxiety or depression don’t seek help until they reach a crisis point.
Centre of Perinatal Excellence Dr Nicole Highet said that action was needed to prevent suicides. “With suicide being one of the leading causes of maternal death in Australia, and rates of perinatal anxiety and depression rising further during the COVID-19 pandemic, screening during pregnancy and in the first year after birth is more critical than ever,” she said.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has further increased the incidence and severity of perinatal depression and anxiety, with a huge increase in calls to helplines and support services. At the same time, many people have become more reluctant to attend medical appointments in person due to COVID concerns. Now, more than ever, our health services need to be using this world-leading technology to implement regular, faster and more efficient perinatal mental health screening to identify women who are at risk or are experiencing symptoms. The sooner symptoms are detected, the faster treatment can begin, which is why it’s so important to spot the signs early.
“iCOPE will change the way perinatal mental health screening is conducted across the country and ensure all new mums and mums-to-be have the opportunity to undertake regular mental health checks, in line with the National Perinatal Mental Health Guidelines. The ability to complete the survey at home via the patient’s mobile phone means iCOPE provides a COVID-proof solution to the screening process, while ensuring mental health can still be assessed and monitored at a time when mental distress has increased.”
The iCOPE app allows for mental health screening to take place in-person or remotely. It is available in 12 languages, and is being rolled out at all Victorian public hospitals. Visit www.icope.org.au for more information.