Clinical practice guidelines play a crucial role in evidence-based practice, providing recommendations that optimize patient care based on a systematic review of evidence. In the perinatal period, guidelines are particularly essential, as evidenced by a 2014 NHS England guideline recommending specialist mental health services for pregnant women with complex mental health issues (Howard et al., 2014).
Recent research has shown the benefits of implementing community perinatal mental health teams. For instance, regions with access to these teams have reported a lower risk of relapse for women with severe mental illnesses postpartum (Gurol-Urganci et al., 2024). As these teams are being established across the UK, adherence to clinical practice guidelines is crucial for ensuring consistent and equitable care within the NHS.
To provide a comprehensive overview of current guidelines for psychological and psychosocial assessment and intervention during the perinatal period, this review utilized rigorous methodological guidelines for systematic reviews. A systematic search was conducted to identify guidelines published between 2012 and 2022, focusing on the perinatal period and mental health.
Seven guidelines were included in the review, each summarizing recommendations for assessment and intervention for various populations and stages of care. While the quality of guidelines varied, consensus-based recommendations were prevalent, especially in the absence of quality evidence in areas such as trauma-informed care.
Themes identified in the guidelines included specific therapeutic approaches, considerations for equitable care, and individual and systemic factors. Notably, the COPE guidelines from Australia received the highest quality rating, emphasizing cultural sensitivity and family-centered care.
Although guidelines were generally broad and inclusive of mothers, partners, and the mother-baby dyad, the review advocates for more research with these populations. Guideline developers are encouraged to utilize quality assessment tools, such as the AGREE-II Instrument, and clearly outline the methods used in gathering evidence.
In conclusion, this review of clinical practice guidelines for perinatal mental health provides valuable insights for NHS clinicians working in perinatal services. It highlights the need for evidence-based recommendations and further research in specific areas such as trauma-informed care and interventions for borderline personality difficulties. By aligning with these guidelines, clinicians can ensure consistent and high-quality care for individuals during the perinatal period.
