Perinatal Mental Health Screening and Early Community Intervention Using Digital Clinical Pathways (MATTER Project)

Condition(s) studied

Study summary

The MATTER project is a digital, community-based perinatal mental health screening and early intervention program implemented in primary care and hospital settings in the Alentejo region, Portugal. The project integrates automated digital screening pathways within the national electronic health record system, allowing healthcare professionals to identify pregnant women and postpartum mothers at risk of depression and other mental health conditions using validated screening tools. Participants receive automated questionnaires via SMS, and results are stratified into risk levels that guide clinical decision-making and referral. The study evaluates feasibility, implementation outcomes, and the effectiveness of early screening and intervention pathways in improving perinatal mental health care delivery.

Eligibility

Primary outcome measure(s)

• Detection of perinatal depression risk — Baseline and throughout pregnancy and postpartum period (up to 12 months postpartum)
  Identification of participants classified into low, moderate, or high risk categories based on EPDS screening scores and digital clinical pathway alerts.

Trial sites (1)

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