Developing Occupational Therapy Intervention in Perinatal Maternal Mental Health in Malta

Abstract

A need to develop occupational therapy services in a clinic dealing with emotional disorders during the perinatal period was called for in 1997. The service was given a trial period of six months. Development of a service required the formulation of a mission statement and the search for a theoretical background. The tools had to be identified both for evaluation and intervention. Its effectiveness and efficiency in dealing with occupational performance dysfunction made the service important and useful. This article explains how the service was developed gradually. It also highlights research done in Malta to identify its need through a health needs assessment. At the end the article gives a vision for future occupational therapy services.