Patient navigation models for mental health of parents expecting or caring for an infant or young child: A systematic review

Patient navigation (PN) aims to improve timely access to healthcare by helping patients to “navigate” complex service provision landscapes. PN models have been applied in diverse healthcare settings including perinatal mental health (PMH). However, the practice models and implementation of PN programs vary widely, and their impact on engagement with PMH services has not been systematically investigated. This systematic narrative review study aimed to (1) identify and describe existing PMH PN models, (2) understand their effectiveness in improving service engagement and clinical outcomes, (3) review patient and provider perceptions, and (4) explore facilitators and barriers to program success. A systematic search of published articles/reports describing PMH PN programs/service delivery models targeting parents in the period from conception to 5 years postpartum was conducted. In total, 19 articles describing 13 programs were identified. The analysis yielded a number of commonalities and differences across program settings, target populations, and the scope of the navigator role. While there was promising evidence to support the clinical efficacy and impact on service utilization of PN programs for PMH, the current evidence base is sparse. Further research evaluating the efficacy of such services, and facilitators and barriers to their success, is warranted.