Use of electronic prompts covering mental health needs in perinatal women
This retrospective observational study examines how perinatal mental health screening prompts within the BadgerNet electronic maternity records are used in practice.
We will analyse data from women who booked and gave birth at Birmingham Women’s and Children’s NHS Foundation Trust between January 2022 and December 2025, excluding those who delivered before 28 weeks’ gestation.
The study will assess completion rates of the Whooley questions and follow-up modules (GAD-2, self-harm, wellbeing, 8-question tool), and explore variations by demographic and obstetric characteristics. We do not anticipate high completion rates of screening prompts, with limited use of follow-up tools and potential declines over time. Differences by ethnicity and socioeconomic status are expected.
Findings will support the development of clinical decision-support tools in maternity care and inform improvements to digital screening processes, helping ensure more equitable identification and support for women experiencing perinatal mental health concerns.