Join our competence group
COMPETENCE-GROUP:
The Competence Group (CG) consists of six experts with lived experience, i.e. parents who suffer or have suffered from perinatal mental illness. The CG consults as well as reflects on the planned measures and research activities with the research group. This is to ensure the involvement of affected persons throughout the research process and to represent their voice in the research. The CG meets monthly with the research group.
Are you interested in becoming a part of the competence group?
COMPETENCE GROUP MEMBERS AND PEOPLE FOR OUR SCIENTIFIC ADVISORY BOARD WANTED!
Dear Mothers and Fathers,
Let’s talk about perinatal mental health!
What’s it about?
Mental illness is the most common complication during and after pregnancy. It affects about one in five mothers and more than one in ten fathers. Since mental illness is not only associated with impaired health and quality of life for parents, but can also have long-term consequences on the development of the child itself, it is important to promote early intervention and preventive measures.
Who are we?
Within the framework of our research project “Healthy Minds – Supporting new parents and infants in the perinatal period” at the Medical University of Innsbruck, the current situation of expectant and new parents in Tyrol will be investigated. In doing so, we will try to work out an approach to improve early intervention and prevention with experts from different fields (e.g. health and psychosocial professionals as well as decision makers) and affected persons (persons with lived experience).
In preparation for our project, we conducted workshops during which we identified gaps in both mental health education around childbirth and in prevention and support services. By working together with experts, but also with people with lived experience, we not only want to improve the situation of expectant parents, but also to expand the general support offer, so that offers for mental illnesses become more easily accessible and mental health is effectively promoted. In order to implement this project, so-called competence groups are to be formed from people with lived experience, who will actively participate in the research process by contributing their individual perspectives.
What exactly is a Competence group (CG)?
The competence group is a group consisting of 3-5 members with people with lived personal experience. The competency group advises the research team and is involved in the following areas:
- Consultation and reflection with the research group on planned mental health interventions and research activities.
- Providing feedback on research design, implementation, and interpretation of findings from the perspective of people with lived experience
- Ensuring that the needs, priorities, and experiences of patients and their families are considered in the research process
- Providing feedback on research materials such as study protocols, information sheets, and participant consent forms
- Publicizing the research project and its findings within the mental health professional community and to other stakeholders
How does it all work?
The Competence Group (CG) will meet with the research group at least every two months to discuss ongoing research activities and provide feedback. The CG will report regularly on its activities and recommendations, which will of course subsequently be mentioned in all research publications and presentations. Apart from the meetings, there will also be other communication channels to stay in touch. If you have any questions or concerns, the project manager is always available.
What are the benefits?
As a member of our skills group, you would have the opportunity to contribute your own perspective and experience related to perinatal mental health and help us bring our research closer to practice. By collaborating with experts and affected individuals, we aim to improve the situation of expectant and new parents by better tailoring services in this area of mental health to the needs of those affected in Tyrol. The competence group plays a crucial role in involving the public and giving a voice to those affected as well as their families!
We would be very pleased if you would support us in this important project with your personal experience by becoming part of our Competence Group or Scientific Advisory Board and thus help us to sustainably improve the support offer in Tyrol!
If you are interested, please contact:
+43 676 8716 72 242