Telehealth Supports Maternal Mental Health, But No One-Size-Fits-All

Published in BMC Psychiatry, a new study indicates that telehealth interventions evaluated in randomized controlled trials (RCTs) can help treat common maternal mental health, but researchers stated there is no one-size-fits-all approach, and interventions must target specific conditions.

In the period during and immediately following pregnancy, mental health issues like depression are common and can have a negative impact on the fetus or infant. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) noted that about one in eight women typically battle postpartum depression. Research from the CDC also indicates that the prevalence of depression among new mothers is on the rise, with rates seven times greater in 2015 compared to 2000.

Thus, a group of researchers aimed to determine the impact of telehealth solutions on these conditions. They conducted a systematic literature review that focused on a primary and secondary objective: the first is whether telehealth can lessen mental health issues in pregnant and postpartum women, and the latter is to gain further insight into the impact of different strategies and data surrounding their frequency.

The systematic literature review consisted of RCTs that had pregnant women or new mothers as participants, involved a telehealth intervention, and addressed mental health-related outcomes such as depression, anxiety, and others.

In total, researchers considered 44 articles that addressed conditions such as positive mental health, post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, quality of life, and more. About 62 percent of these articles reported improvements in mental health outcomes of participants receiving telehealth-based interventions compared to the control group. Specifically, cognitive behavioral therapy aided depression and stress, and peer support helped treat postnatal depression and anxiety. The articles also show that preventive strategies were generally effective.

Based on this data, researchers reported that telehealth was, for the most part, successful in treating postpartum mental health issues. But there is room for improvement, particularly related to the need to develop targeted telehealth interventions, as no one strategy can apply to all maternal mental health issues.

Previous research has also indicated that telehealth can improve maternal healthcare.

A study from July 2022 found that replacing in-person maternal healthcare with telehealth led to positive clinical outcomes and high levels of patient satisfaction.

This study consisted of a review of 28 RCTs and 14 observational studies. Researchers found that patient-reported outcomes from telehealth use, particularly when treating mental health, general maternal care, and diabetes during pregnancy, were similar to or better than those derived from in-person care.

They also found that phone-based psychotherapy and home monitoring devices led to positive results, such as lessened anxiety and depression.

Further, healthcare stakeholders are increasingly adding virtual maternal care resources to their offerings.

In August 2022, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan began working with Maven Clinic to offer a virtual maternity care program providing services related to parenthood, pregnancy, postpartum, and pediatrics. Specifically, the program offers services such as preconception and egg-freezing support, a year-long pregnancy and postpartum support program, and childcare navigation assistance.