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Pregnancy after loss

Midwives’, obstetricians’, and nurses’ perspectives of humanised care during pregnancy and childbirth for women classified as high risk in high income countries: A mixed methods systematic review

Our mixed methods review of the presence of humanisation for women with high risk pregnancy/childbirth in high income countries identified complementary findings on: (i) the importance of developing a harmonised relationship with women; (ii) increased time counselling women on their choices; (iii) fear of professional reputational damage if caring outside of protocols.

Authors

Margaret Murphy

Year
2023
Journal Name
PLOS One
Category
Journal Article
Keywords
Pregnancy after loss
Full Citation

Curtin M, Murphy M, Savage E, O'Driscoll M, Leahy-Warren P. Midwives', obstetricians', and nurses' perspectives of humanised care during pregnancy and childbirth for women classified as high risk in high income countries: A mixed methods systematic review. PLOS One. 2023;18(10):e0293007. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0293007.

Link to Publication
https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0293007

Abstract

Women classified as ‘high risk’ or ‘complicated’ in pregnancy and childbirth have increased difficulty in accessing humanised care/humanisation in childbirth due to perceptions that this approach rejects the use of intervention and/or technology. Humanised care recognises the psychological and physical needs of women in pregnancy and birth. We conducted a mixed methods systematic review to identify the presence of humanisation for women with high risk pregnancy and/or childbirth in high income countries. Nineteen studies met our inclusion criteria. A total of 1617 participants from nine countries were included. The integration of qualitative and quantitative data identified complimentary findings on: (i) the importance of developing a harmonised relationship with women; (ii) increased time counselling women on their choices; and (iii) fear of professional reputational damage if caring outside of protocols. Negotiating with women outside of protocols may have a wider impact on the professional than first thought. Understanding how healthcare professionals individualise care for women at risk in labour requires further investigation.

Pregnancy Loss Research Group

Pregnancy Loss Research Group, Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, University College Cork, Fifth Floor, Cork University Maternity Hospital, Wilton, Cork, T12 YE02, Ireland,

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