Infant mental health: development of an online learning module for perinatal health care providers

Abstract

Background: Infant mental health refers to the social, emotional, and cognitive well- being of children spanning from preconception to age five. The presence of healthy relationships with sensitive and responsive caregivers is necessary for infant mental health. The period after birth is an important time in the establishment of infant-caregiver relationships. Health care providers working with women and families in the perinatal period can influence this developing relationship and promote sensitive and responsive caregiving behaviours. In turn, sensitive caregiving fosters healthy social, emotional, and cognitive development in the infant, which influences their lifelong health and wellbeing. Purpose: The purpose of this practicum project is to develop an educational resource for health care providers on infant mental health with an emphasis on practical interventions to foster the infant-caregiver relationship in hospital. Methods: Research for the educational resource consisted of an integrated literature review, consultations with key colleagues, and an environmental scan of available resources at three select hospitals. Results: Following consultations, an online learning module was selected as the most appropriate education format. Information gained from the integrative review and consultations was used to develop an evidence-based educational resource. Conclusion: This learning module is expected to increase health care providers understanding of infant mental health and key interventions to foster the infant-caregiver relationship. It is pending final review by hospital stakeholders prior to implementation.