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Table 3 Recommendations to increase treatment engagement

From: Engagement in perinatal depression treatment: a qualitative study of barriers across and within racial/ethnic groups

Patient Outreach and Education

Prevention, Monitoring & Convenience

Normalizing Treatment

• Offer preventive education and services

• Proactively monitor and follow up after depression screening

• Increase convenience through telemedicine, on-site childcare

• Educate patients about depression as a medical condition that affects women from all backgrounds

• Demystify treatment options

• Educate family members about perinatal depression

Community and Social Determinants of Health

Community Engagement

Diversity & Inclusivity

• Engage community resources, peer health workers to spread awareness

• Consult with patient advisories to develop culturally appropriate messages

• Monitor patients’ social concerns and refer to social work and community resources

• Increase racial/ethnic and linguistic diversity among clinicians

• Create language-specific materials and treatment options

Clinician Training and Support

Integrated Perinatal Depression Management

Cultural Tailoring

• Train OBGYN and mental health clinicians in perinatal depression

• Embed a mental health provider in OBGYN who can facilitate depression treatment

• Coordinate depression care among a team of providers

• Provide culturally specific training to clinical providers