Women's and multidisciplinary team members' experiences of care and discharge from an Irish specialist perinatal mental health service: A multiperspectival interpretative phenomenological analysis.
Perinatal mental health is a critical public health concern. Women experiencing moderate to severe perinatal mental health conditions often require specialist support. Discharge from specialist services is a potentially challenging time; however, literature examining service discharge remains limited. Understanding multiple stakeholder perspectives of specialist perinatal mental health services is essential for informing evidence-based improvements.
To understand women's and multidisciplinary team members' experiences of care and discharge from an Irish specialist perinatal mental health service.
A multiperspectival interpretative phenomenological analysis study. Women (n = 6) who were discharged after receiving treatment from an Irish specialist perinatal mental health service and multidisciplinary team members (n = 6) working within this service participated in individual semi-structured interviews. Data were analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis.
This paper presents a multiperspectival synthesis with four themes and subthemes: (1) In sanctuary, I return to myself, (2) Building strength through collaboration, (3) A tailored discharge, and (4) On the path forward. Women felt a sense of safety and connection during their care, marking a turning point from feelings of isolation and perceived judgement. Women advocated for person-centred, flexible discharge approaches. Post-discharge community support provided women with a sense of stability, continuity, and confidence.
The service provided a place of sanctuary where women received advocacy support until they regained self-agency. Individualised discharge care planning can enhance consistent communication and facilitate a supported, coordinated transition of care. Expanding community support, equitable care, and a national mother and baby unit are essential for the progress of Irish services.
To understand women's and multidisciplinary team members' experiences of care and discharge from an Irish specialist perinatal mental health service.
A multiperspectival interpretative phenomenological analysis study. Women (n = 6) who were discharged after receiving treatment from an Irish specialist perinatal mental health service and multidisciplinary team members (n = 6) working within this service participated in individual semi-structured interviews. Data were analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis.
This paper presents a multiperspectival synthesis with four themes and subthemes: (1) In sanctuary, I return to myself, (2) Building strength through collaboration, (3) A tailored discharge, and (4) On the path forward. Women felt a sense of safety and connection during their care, marking a turning point from feelings of isolation and perceived judgement. Women advocated for person-centred, flexible discharge approaches. Post-discharge community support provided women with a sense of stability, continuity, and confidence.
The service provided a place of sanctuary where women received advocacy support until they regained self-agency. Individualised discharge care planning can enhance consistent communication and facilitate a supported, coordinated transition of care. Expanding community support, equitable care, and a national mother and baby unit are essential for the progress of Irish services.