Client stories Award-winning pioneers of iCOPE digital perinatal mental health screening

The North Adelaide Local Health Network (NALHN), encompassing Lyell McEwin and Modbury Hospitals, has helped redefine perinatal mental health care. As the first public health network in Australia to implement the iCOPE digital screening tool, NALHN has emerged as a leader in innovation and patient-focused care.

Launched in September 2020, the iCOPE program replaced traditional pen-and-paper screening methods with a streamlined digital approach. Patients can now complete their emotional health screening via SMS on their personal device or on-site using managed tablets. This ensures greater accessibility, accuracy, and privacy, while significantly reducing administrative burdens and enhancing clinical efficiency.

With 3,826 births recorded in 2020 at Lyell McEwin Hospital and a rapidly growing population, NALHN faced the challenge of addressing the complex mental health needs of a high-birth region. The network recognised that 1 in 5 women experience perinatal anxiety and/or depression and sought a comprehensive solution to improve mental health outcomes for new and expectant mothers.

Between 2020 and 2023, the iCOPE digital screening program was integrated seamlessly into NALHN’s existing workflows, ensuring alignment with clinical processes. The program was supported by regular staff training, which built confidence and proficiency among clinicians. Patients were given the flexibility to complete their screenings remotely or in clinical settings, resulting in a significant uptake of remote options, with 63% of screenings conducted on personal devices. This hybrid approach allowed the network to enhance accessibility while maintaining the highest standard of care.

The introduction of iCOPE increased scoring accuracy to 100%, eliminating errors associated with manual scoring, and utilised waiting room time effectively, maximising efficiency without compromising patient care. Furthermore, the availability of screenings in 25 languages facilitated more equitable access for culturally and linguistically diverse communities, reducing the need for interpreters and improving inclusivity.

“The iCOPE screening tool has transformed the way we monitor the mental health of the women in our care. iCOPE has made a significant, positive impact. It’s efficient for our maternity teams, and easy for our patients to access and use.

As one of the first sites in Australia to utilise the tool in 2020, we’ve now conducted thousands of screens with expectant mums. We’re thrilled that all maternity services across South Australia are now signed on to use this essential tool — we see the incredible benefits it brings for patients and healthcare providers, every day.”

- Maeve Downes, Nursing Director, Women’s & Children’s Division, North Adelaide Local Health Network

Since the program’s inception, NALHN has conducted over 15,000 screens, averaging 70 per week, and has consistently delivered the highest number of iCOPE screenings among public maternity hospitals nationally. The program’s success was recognised with the Minister’s Research and Innovation Award for Remote Digital Perinatal Mental Health Screening and Support and a nomination for the Premier’s Award.

Through its pioneering efforts, NALHN has set a benchmark for digital mental health screening in maternity care, transforming how perinatal mental health is supported and paving the way for a national rollout of the iCOPE digital screening program.