Utilizing a Stakeholder Driven Approach in Developing a Regional Perinatal Psychiatry Access Program

The authors conducted a stakeholder survey to inform the development of a regional perinatal access program. Sixty-one (22.4%) stakeholders in total completed the survey. Ninety-two percent agreed that their perinatal patients would benefit from the availability of a perinatal access program, and 90% agreed or strongly agreed that they would utilize a perinatal access program if available. The survey also showed that stakeholders indicated relative comfort with anxiety and depression and its management, and low comfort with more complex psychiatric topics. When the program opened services to the region, after the first 100 calls, 21 satisfaction surveys were completed (21%) following telephone consultation with a perinatal psychiatrist. The program was universally rated as 5/5 stars, suggesting that stakeholder needs are being met.