Responsive e-Health Intervention for Perinatal Depression in Healthcare Settings

Women assigned to use MMB 2.0, along with NorthShore HealthSystem's well established usual care, will be guided by the program to move sequentially through 6 sessions, one of which becomes available for use each week, while interacting with engaging activities within each session along with recommended practice activities to encourage transfer of learning and skills to everyday routines. Content is presented using text, interactions, animations, and videos. MMB includes daily tracking and charting of mood and pleasant activities as well as online access to a library, covering a range of issues of concern to pregnant women and new mothers. Integrated text messages offer both motivational messages and links to access specific portions of session content in the MMB 2.0 program. The study coordinator will also provide up to 3 supportive coaching calls to each woman in the MMB 2.0 condition. These calls complement and thus are adjunctive to the MMB 2.0 program.

NorthShore HealthSystem's treatment as usual, or usual care, has been in place since 2003. Screen positive women randomized to this condition will receive social work assessment by phone, followed by community mental health referral as indicated. Referrals will vary by need and may include psychotherapy, support groups, or psychiatry. Referrals will include consideration of geographic proximity, insurance, and acuity. Consistent with routine practice, NorthShore staff will document time spent during evaluation and in making specific referrals.