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Universal Antenatal Screening

Queensland Health is providing ongoing funding to all Health Service Districts to support implementation of the Universal Postnatal Contact Services initiative.

One of the key strategies being funded under this initiative is universal and routine screening of pregnant women for key risk factors that can affect the health and wellbeing of the mother and baby. These risk factors include:

• Perinatal depression
• Psychosocial issues and domestic violence
• Tobacco, drug and alcohol use

This screening is supported by the development of collaborative service networks and partnerships, which provide the opportunity to refer women and families to additional services that can contribute to improved outcomes for the mother and baby.

A package of standardised tools is available to assist health professionals undertake screening as part of normal and best practice antenatal care.

This package consists of:

Perinatal Mental Health Tool

• Universal and routine screening of pregnant women using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) is recommended at least once antenatally and at 4-6 weeks postpartum
• Recommended that the EPDS be used in combination with psychosocial screening  
• Aligned with the National Perinatal Depression Initiative

The EPDS can be completed by the mother at a regular antenatal visit and discussed with the midwife/antenatal care provider
[The beyondblue 'Emotional health during pregnancy and early parenthood' booklet distributed to all mothers includes a copy of the EPDS questionnaire].

Psychosocial tool - Safe Start (NSW)

• The Safe Start (NSW) Form provides a guide to interview questions to be asked by the midwife/antenatal care provider

Tobacco/alcohol/drug tools (ATODS)

• The Antenatal Alcohol / Drug Screening Tool and Antenatal Tobacco Screening Tool provide a brief intervention tool to assist women to reduce and ultimately cease smoking, alcohol and drug consumption during pregnancy
• Completed by the midwife/antenatal care provider

Postnatal Discharge/Referral Form

• The Perinatal Referral and Discharge form provides relevant information about the mother and baby to services providing postnatal care and support, to assist with continuity of care. These may include the local Queensland Health Newborn and Family Drop-in Services (NFDS), Community Child Health service, GP or a Non-Government Organisation
• Includes a summary of the antenatal screening performed and any risk factors identified, as well as any referrals/interventions that have been made antenatally
• Can be commenced as soon as the antenatal screening is completed
• Should be completed before the mother is discharged and with her consent, forwarded to services she identifies as participating in the postnatal care of herself and her baby
• Mothers should also be informed of the 13HEALTH line, which provides 24 hour, 7 day a week child health advice and support for families

Hand-held Pregnancy Health Record

• The Clinical Practice Improvement Centre and State-wide Maternity and Neonatal Clinical Network have developed a state-wide hand held pregnancy health record for use by all maternity services
• The use of a hand held pregnancy health record is recognised as best practice and can assist the multiple health care professionals a woman many see during her pregnancy to provide continuity of care