Pink Link: Evaluating the Efficacy of Access to Allied Psychological Services for Antenatal Patients Through General Practice

This evaluation assessed the efficacy of a program of access to allied psychological services for antenatal patients identified with mental health issues through general practice - Pink Link, offered by the Nepean Division of General Practice. Using mixed methods, this evaluation examined the effect of Pink Link on women’s levels of depression, anxiety, and self-efficacy, and investigated their expectations of childbirth and motherhood. Twelve women referred to group therapy completed self-report measures of depression, anxiety, and self-efficacy pre/post intervention. Three of these women participated in interviews post-intervention and an additional two consented to interviews pre-intervention. The results from this pilot study support the efficacy of the program. Following the Pink Link intervention, significant improvements were found for depression and anxiety with levels falling below clinical cut-offs. Parenting self-efficacy, which was already moderate, continued to improve.