An Audit Exploring Ethnic Inequalities in Accessing Perinatal Mental Health Services in Southwark

Aims Women from Black and minority ethnic backgrounds have been shown to experience an increased burden of common postnatal mental health conditions higher rates involuntary admissions. However, evidence demonstrates disparities in these women accessing perinatal support. Reasons behind barriers access must be defined addressed. Our aim was explore inequalities Perinatal Mental Health Services Southwark (SWK PMHS). We hypothesised that SWK PMHS would meet Royal college Psychiatrists (RCPsych) gold standards providing equitable care. Methods The Trust's local clinical database used extract our cohort aged 15–44 years with a birth episode contact between September December 2021. Individual data were collected via notes system establish basic measures (demographics ethnicity) detailed information (referral outcome, interventions, safeguarding etc). Ethnicity compared King's College Hospital records for 2021 census Office National Statistics. Results 105 patients analysed total. Overall, there poor recording ethnicity 6.6% referrals had no documented at all. At the point referral, clear inequity based on ethnicity, appearing reflective maternity records. concerning inequities treatment received by groups. Out four hospital admissions total, three (75%) group all detained. There fewer psychology intervention groups White group, particularly low numbers Asian Mixed (2/35 women). 83% antipsychotics prescribed (5 out 6) remainder being group. 31 alerts, almost half (48%) Conclusion variations interventions type care underrepresented though conversely overrepresented antipsychotic treatment, alerts This suggests contrary hypothesis, is not meeting RCPsych Gold Standards. audit findings reflect literature are apparent certain specialist services.