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Dissertation
The Postpartum Toolkit: an online clinical tool to enhance functioning and emotional wellbeing among gestational parents in the postpartum period
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.), Drexel University
Oct 2021
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17918/00000898
Abstract
A gestational parent's level of functioning, or ability to perform the activities and roles required to maintain wellbeing, is critical in determining parental-child health during the first postpartum year. Gestational parent functioning is important for infant health as infant care needs are greatest during the postpartum period, and gestational parents are generally the principal performers of this care. Gestational parents are also vulnerable to a host of physical and mental health concerns during the postpartum year. Therefore, ensuring that gestational parents are able to address both their own needs as well as their infant's needs is an important health goal. However, existing approaches to support postpartum gestational parents are lacking, especially in the United States, and there is a documented gap between what providers offer in the postpartum period and what gestational parents desire. Further, postpartum gestational parents face many barriers to care. The utilization of internet-based intervention may be an effective solution allowing access to resources for this population. Therefore, the current study collected data on the feasibility, acceptability, and initial impact on functioning (primary outcome), stress, and symptoms of anxiety and depression (secondary outcomes), of a newly developed online tool that was created to bolster functioning in the postpartum period. The tool was created based on key factors influencing postpartum functioning that were uncovered during previous qualitative work. These factors have been transformed into electronic checklist items on which gestational parents can rate themselves; based upon these ratings, the tool presents resources to address self-identified areas of need. After seeking expert consultation on 1) the completeness of the checklist and resources, and 2) the user experience, we used an online platform to pilot test the tool. Results suggested 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 functioning and emotional wellbeing. Therefore, 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.
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Details
- Title
- The Postpartum Toolkit
- Creators
- Ariana M. Albanese
- Contributors
- Pamela A. Geller (Advisor)
- Awarding Institution
- Drexel University
- Degree Awarded
- Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
- Publisher
- Drexel University; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Number of pages
- viii, 96 pages
- Resource Type
- Dissertation
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- Psychological and Brain Sciences (Psychology); College of Arts and Sciences; Drexel University
- Other Identifier
- 991016662548004721