Title : Audit of ‘Around Birth Care’ (ABC) planning and postnatal review pathways in pennine Specialist Perinatal Community Mental Health Team (SPCMHT)
Abstract:
The perinatal period is a high-risk time for women with mental health conditions, particularly post-partum. To support early identification and timely support, national and local guidance recommend the use of a birth plan. Pennine Specialist Perinatal Community Mental Health Team (SPCMHT) implement this guidance through 'Around Birth Care' (ABC) plan. A previous audit identified suboptimal communication between East Lancashire trust (ELT) maternity team and Pennine SPCMHT, resulting in low rates of a post-birth follow-up. The ABC form was redesigned, and recommendations implemented to improve communication. This audit aims to assess compliance with these changes and evaluate improvement in notification rates and timeliness of post birth review. A retrospective review of 24 women’s ABC plans and maternity electronic patient records was conducted. Findings show that 42% of women had the new ABC plan in place. Overall birth notification rates improved (65% to 79%), but a delay was seen in over 13%. While all women received a post-birth review, only 33% were seen within the documented timeframe in their ABC plan. Overall, this audit highlights significant gaps in communication between the ELT maternity team and Pennine SPCMHT, which may contribute to delays in post birth reviews. Consistent implementation of the new ABC plan is needed to ensure effective communication and timely post-birth follow up, facilitating optimal mental health support.
