Perinatal mental health is recognized as a priority component of obstetrical care. Perinatal patients often turn to their obstetrician for help with mental health concerns as they view them as their primary health care provider. Unfortunately, obstetricians face challenges in providing adequate support due to time constraints and limited expertise.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFIntroduction: Little is known about the care provided following positive depression screens in obstetrics and gynecology (Ob/Gyn) patients.
Method: This study evaluated documented care plans and outcomes for 445 Ob/Gyn patients with positive depression screens between January 2018 and December 2020. Logistic regression models were estimated to identify predictors of changes in documented care plans and to test if a documented plan was associated with a reduction in depression severity in 6 months.
Insufficient care in the perinatal period is associated with poorer maternal health, poorer perinatal outcomes, infant mortality, and health inequalities. Identifying the sources of and reducing the rates of insufficient care is therefore a major clinical and public health objective. We propose a specific application of the biopsychosocial model that conceptualizes prenatal and postpartum care quality as health markers that are influenced by psychological factors and family and social context.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFMany factors influence resident physician communication, including rigorous training demands that can contribute to professionalism issues or burnout. The University of Rochester Physician Communication Coaching program launched for attendings in 2011, and expanded to residency programs within 11 clinical departments of our institution. In this model, psychologists serve as coaches, drawing on their expertise in communication skills, behavior change, and wellness promotion.
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