About the Research Project

The research group aims to investigate the situation of new parents in Tyrol and develop an early intervention and prevention approach to address perinatal mental illness (PMI). The project plan includes the following objectives:

  1. Conduct an assessment of perinatal mental health support and services in Tyrol.
  2. Collaboratively design support services that prioritize the needs of parents and infants, emphasizing social support and collaborative approaches.
  3. Implement the intervention design in a sustainable, feasible, and acceptable manner.
  4. Evaluate the impact, perspectives, and experiences of the intervention.

Three main priorities

Through a collaborative effort involving research expertise, local clinical knowledge, and community experience, workshops have identified three crucial areas of focus for this research proposal. Participants engaged in a prioritization exercise, considering factors such as relevance for Tyrol, research novelty, and feasibility. As a result, the top priorities were determined to be ‘early identification,’ followed by ‘gaps in care,’ and ‘access’ (Figure below).

Based on this prioritization exercise and in alignment with existing literature, this project will concentrate its research efforts on these identified areas. The aim is to maximize the impact on families affected by perinatal mental illness, specifically by promoting early identification and fostering collaborative support in Tyrol.

Connecting research and practice

The project runs for a period of 5 years, employing innovative research methodologies to establish connections between research and the local community in Tyrol. The team actively collaborates with stakeholders to determine the most suitable study design and to co-create evidence-based approaches for practical implementation. This social innovation initiative leverages both local expertise in systems, healthcare, and social care, as well as international proficiency in co-design, complex evaluations, and social services research. By addressing a pressing local issue, this project strives to make a meaningful impact on society. Specifically, it focuses on early intervention and prevention strategies that bring together formal and informal support services for new parents and infants. The aim is to enhance these supports and ultimately improve the quality of life for both parents and infants.