Majority of relevant workforce have accessed the specialist perinatal three stage learning programme
In 2019, the Scottish Government launched a programme of work to increase the provision of perinatal mental health services in Scotland. The NES Psychology Perinatal Programme is supporting this agenda through workforce expansion and training for new and existing staff.
This Turas specialist perinatal three stage learning programme was developed for specialist staff in Mother and Baby Units, Community Perinatal Mental Health Teams, and Maternity and Neonatal Psychological Interventions Teams.
The three stages
Stage one - complete the suite of seven Essential Perinatal and Infant Mental Health modules.
Stage two - attend the two multi-disciplinary case study training sessions, to:
- meet colleagues in other boards, build connections and share learning
- increase recognition of the specific aspects of perinatal work that set it apart from general mental health work
- increase confidence in supporting families
- promote shared values and multi-disciplinary perinatal approach
Stage three - watch the NES NMAHP webinars covering common health concerns for the mother and infant:
Webinar 1: Neonatal Physical Health Complications
Webinar 2: Common Complications of Late Pregnancy and Early Post-Partum Period
Delegate feedback
“Completing the modules prior to training was useful - SO MUCH I would like to (need to) go back and review as holds a wealth of info.”
“I enjoyed the discussion and input from those from other disciplines and areas of work. Enjoyed hearing different perspectives from those with varying experiences in Perinatal as I am quite new.”
Experts by experience
NES asked for guidance from Parent and Infant Mental Health Scotland. Woman with lived experience shared their reflections on our four case studies, and these were incorporated into the training.
Between sessions, attendees explore the Invisible Truths website that contains a gallery of artwork and poetry created by women with lived experience of perinatal mental health difficulties.
Trainer observations
‘Discussions at the start of session 2, in relation to the artwork and poetry on the, were enthusiastic and thoughtful with little need for encouragement from the trainers’.
Summary
To date 221 staff from specialist perinatal mental health, maternity and neonatal teams, from all 14 territorial boards, have accessed the Specialist Training Programme, this represents the majority of the workforce.
Feedback from the training in terms of improving knowledge, building confidence and networking with peers has been very positive.
More than a twofold increase in confidence ratings in relation to the assessment, intervention and management of risk both in relation to infants and partners was reported. Confidence levels in relation to mothers also increased.
95% of participants who completed the post-evaluation questionnaire said they would recommend this training to colleagues working in perinatal services (rated 4 or above on Likert Scale).
More information
Marie Claire Shankland, Programme Director: marie-claire.shankland@nhs.scot
Julie Stephen, Perinatal Principal Educator: julie.stephen5@nhs.scot
March, 24 2023