Introducing the Postpartum Toolkit: An Examination of the Feasibility, Acceptability and Pilot Efficacy of an Online Clinical Tool to Enhance Postpartum Functioning and Emotional Wellbeing

Ariana M Albanese; Pamela A Geller; Jackson M Steinkamp; Joan R Bloch; Chris Sikes; Jennifer L Barkin

doi:10.3390/jcm11102748

Introducing the Postpartum Toolkit: An Examination of the Feasibility, Acceptability and Pilot Efficacy of an Online Clinical Tool to Enhance Postpartum Functioning and Emotional Wellbeing

J Clin Med. 2022 May 12;11(10):2748. doi: 10.3390/jcm11102748.

Authors

Ariana M Albanese¹, Pamela A Geller², Jackson M Steinkamp³, Joan R Bloch⁴, Chris Sikes⁵, Jennifer L Barkin⁶

Affiliations

¹ Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912, USA.
² Department of Psychology, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
³ Department of Medicine, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
⁴ College of Nursing and Health Professionals, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
⁵ Houston County Health Department, Georgia Department of Public Health, Warner Robins, GA 31088, USA.
⁶ Department of Community Medicine, Mercer University School of Medicine, Macon, GA 31207, USA.

Abstract

During the postpartum period, a birth parent's level of functioning (ability to perform the activities and roles required to maintain wellbeing) is critical in determining the health of parents and their infants. However, existing approaches to support postpartum parents are insufficient, especially in the United States, and these individuals face barriers to care. The utilization of internet-based intervention may be an effective solution allowing access to resources for this population. In this study, we developed a patient-centered online tool to bolster postpartum functioning, and collected data on the feasibility, acceptability, and initial impact of this tool on functioning and emotional wellbeing. Data collection took place between February and June 2021 from a sample of 124 individuals who were within the first ten months postpartum and living in the US. Results suggest that the tool is acceptable, though there are barriers to feasibility of use. Additionally, pilot-efficacy data suggest that this tool may be effective in improving postpartum emotional wellbeing, though further controlled testing is warranted. A future iteration of the tool that incorporates participant feedback to improve feasibility of use could prove an effective means of delivering support to an at-risk population.

Keywords: mental health; postpartum functioning; reproductive health; women’s health.

Grants and funding

Funding for participant compensation was provided by The Georgia Department of Public Health, North Central Health District, Maternal Child Health Academic Health Department, Women’s Health Research Fund.