RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 The PRAMS (Perinatal Redesign for Accessing Mental Health Services) Study: a research protocol
JF BJGP Open
JO BJGP Open
FD Royal College of General Practitioners
SP BJGPO.2025.0206
DO 10.3399/BJGPO.2025.0206
A1 Sheldon, Elena May
A1 Ezaydi, Naseeb
A1 Hahn, Danielle
A1 Hobbs, Kelly
A1 Ahmed, Saima
A1 Miles, Helen
A1 Thompson, Julia
A1 Marvin-Dowle, Katie
A1 Fryer, Kate
A1 Sutton, Laura
A1 Silverwood, Victoria
A1 Mitchell, Caroline
A1 Hind, Daniel
A1 Mackenzie, Kelly
YR 2025
UL http://bjgpopen.org/content/early/2025/12/10/BJGPO.2025.0206.1.abstract
AB Background Perinatal mental health (PMH) problems affect 10-20% of women during pregnancy and the postnatal year, costing the UK an estimated £8.1 billion annually. Underserved groups—including women from ethnic minorities, deprived areas, and those facing multiple disadvantages—experience the greatest inequalities in access and outcomes. Despite national investment, many fall between primary care (general practice, NHS Talking Therapies) and specialist PMH services, with limited guidance on bridging this gap.Aim To co-design an experience-based intervention to address unmet PMH needs among underserved women, and to explore barriers to accessing care and gaps across PMH pathways.Design & setting A mixed-methods study using the MRC framework and an adapted Accelerated Experience-Based Co-Design (AEBCD) approach.Method Work Package 1 will survey and interview professionals nationally across diverse roles and organisational contexts. Work Package 2 will involve focus groups and interviews with underserved women in Sheffield and Doncaster (South Yorkshire, UK), supported by bilingual community link workers. Findings will be synthesised and used in co-design workshops (Work Package 3) to develop an accessible, evidence-informed intervention tailored to the needs of an underserved group.Conclusion The PRAMS study will generate clinically relevant insights into improving access to and management of PMH care for underserved women and birthing people. By working collaboratively with practitioners, women with lived experience, and community partners, PRAMS will deliver a co-designed intervention with potential to reduce inequalities. Findings will inform local service delivery and contribute national learning on user-led redesign of PMH services across primary and secondary care.