PTSD Screening in Pregnant Black Women

SBIRT is a well-established enhanced screening preventive intervention model that is feasible and acceptable for use with trauma-exposed patients and in minoritized communities and can be delivered in the OB clinic during a prenatal care visit. The elements include:

• standardized screening for PTSD and depression using the Primary Care Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Screen (PC-PTSD-5) and the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Screening (EPDS) that will mirror brief screening practice;
• explicit focus on concerns regarding mistrust,
• psychoeducation on PTSD, depression, and the effects of trauma including medical trauma and traumatic loss on health/functioning,
• motivational interviewing strategy components to promote awareness of psychological symptoms and engagement in culturally relevant resources including support/resources related to relevant social determinants of health,
• teaching coping skills with culturally responsive technology tools

This well-established 5-minute in-clinic interview includes administration of the PC-PTSD-5, a 5-item PTSD screening tool by trained medical staff (nurse, physician's assistant). Providers receive approximately one hour of training in trauma-informed care and how to administer the screening protocol. This method is regularly used in primary care clinic settings with trauma-exposed veterans and is validated for use in civilian samples, including low-income Black adults utilizing urban safety net hospital medical clinics.