Embedding a Tech-Enabled Perinatal Mental Health Program in an Obstetric Clinic Improves Clinical Outcomes Among Patients With Depression and Anxiety [ID 1082]

INTRODUCTION: Embedding perinatal mental health support directly within ob-gyn practices is a potential solution to improve access to depression and anxiety treatment among perinatal patients. The objective of this paper is to evaluate the clinical outcomes of a tech-enabled collaborative care program delivered by FamilyWell in partnership with a large ob-gyn practice in Massachusetts. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective chart review of N=185 English-speaking patients who engaged in the program. One hundred fifty-nine patients met criteria for moderate–severe symptoms of depression and/or anxiety. Seventy-seven percent received a primary intervention of weekly tele-coaching, whereas the remaining 23% received a primary intervention of weekly tele-therapy. Primary outcomes included 1) change in PHQ-9 for depression or GAD-7 scores for anxiety, 2) treatment response (50% decrease in GAD-7 or PHQ-9), and 3) symptom remission (PHQ-9 or GAD-7 less than 5). RESULTS: Forty-seven percent of patients with depression (n=33) and 52% with anxiety (n=45) demonstrated treatment response. Thirty-three percent with anxiety (n=26) achieved remission in an average of 3.2 months and 31% with depression (n=22) in an average of 3.5 months. CONCLUSIONS/IMPLICATIONS: These data suggest that embedding a perinatal mental health program to treat moderate–severe depression and anxiety reduces symptoms within 3.5 months of engagement. Unlike other psychiatric collaborative care programs, this program uniquely addresses the behavioral health workforce shortages by integrating certified coaches on the care team while also utilizing telehealth to enable scale.