Increasing Awareness of Perinatal Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: An Education Module for Women's Health Providers

Objective: The purpose of this project was to develop and evaluate an educational intervention to improve women's healthcare providers' knowledge of perinatal posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Background: Approximately 16% of women meet diagnostic criteria for PTSD in the perinatal period. Pregnancy and childbirth may be events of real or perceived harm to women, which may trigger symptoms of PTSD. Perinatal PTSD is often misdiagnosed as anxiety or depression. Methods: An education module outlining the background, risk factors, symptoms, and mental health resources for perinatal PTSD was created using best evidence from published literature and expert opinion of professional psychiatric providers specializing in perinatal PTSD. Sixteen women's healthcare providers reviewed the module. A pre- and posttest were used to evaluate learning of participants after viewing the module. A five-point Likert scale was used to rate the content and utility of the module as well as the likelihood that the providers would use the information in actual practice. Results: Results indicated a statistically significant change in knowledge before and after viewing the education module (p = 0.001). While only 1 participant reported already routinely screening for perinatal PTSD in the pre-test, all 16 participants reported an intention to screen after viewing the education module (p = 0.0006). Viewing also showed improvement regarding the provider's sense that they had adequate resources for their patients (p = 0.001). All but two participants reported that they were either likely or very likely to recommend this module as an education tool for other providers. Conclusion: The evidence shows a deficit in knowledge about perinatal PTSD for women's healthcare providers. This knowledge deficit can be improved through provider education. Provider education affects provider intent to screen for perinatal PTSD.