Specialist community perinatal screening clinic: service evaluation

Abstract

Aims and methodTo identify the outcomes of patients in the obstetric screening clinic. In 2 years, 180 women were referred by midwives to a clinic run by specialist community perinatal team. ‘Ultra-high risk’ patients were identified. There were four outcome measures predicated on level of care.ResultsOf those referred, 69 women were managed in primary care/generic community mental health teams, 90 by specialist perinatal team and 21 did not attend; 23 women were ultra-high risk. The majority of the ultra-high risk patients required treatment with specialist teams.Clinical implicationsSpecialist community perinatal screening clinics are successful at identifying those at high risk of developing mental health problems. Ultra-high risk women needed a higher level of service. High morbidity in women who fail to attend the services demands more assertive follow-up. Cumulative personal and family history is an important risk factor.