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Soman DA, Joseph A, Moore A. Influence of the Physical Environment on Maternal Care for Culturally Diverse Women: A Narrative Review. HERD-HEALTH ENVIRONMENTS RESEARCH & DESIGN JOURNAL 2024; 17:306-328. [PMID: 38379226 DOI: 10.1177/19375867241227601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/22/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This narrative literature review aims to develop a framework that can be used to understand, study, and design maternal care environments that support the needs of women from diverse racial and ethnic groups. BACKGROUND Childbirth and the beginning of life hold particular significance across many cultures. People's cultural orientation and experiences influence their preferences within healthcare settings. Research suggests that culturally sensitive care can help improve the experiences and outcomes and reduce maternal health disparities for women from diverse cultures. At the same time, the physical environment of the birth setting influences the birthing experience and maternal outcomes such as the progression of labor, the use of interventions, and the type of birth. METHODS The review synthesizes articles from three categories: (a) physical environment of birthing facilities, (b) physical environment and culturally sensitive care, and (c) physical environment and culturally sensitive birthing facilities. RESULTS Fifty-five articles were identified as relevant to this review. The critical environmental design features identified in these articles were categorized into different spatial scales: community, facility, and room levels. CONCLUSIONS Most studies focus on maternal or culturally sensitive care settings outside the United States. Since the maternal care environment is an important aspect of their culturally sensitive care experience, further studies exploring the needs and perspectives of racially and ethnically diverse women within maternal care settings in the United States are necessary. Such research can help future healthcare designers contribute toward addressing the ongoing maternal health crisis within the country.
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Affiliation(s)
- Devi A Soman
- Center for Health Facilities Design and Testing, School of Architecture, Clemson University, SC, USA
| | - Anjali Joseph
- Center for Health Facilities Design and Testing, Clemson University, SC, USA
- School of Architecture and Industrial Engineering, Clemson University, SC, USA
| | - Arelis Moore
- Community Health and Spanish, Department of Languages, Clemson University, SC, USA
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Goldkuhl L, Tistad M, Gyllensten H, Berg M. Implementing a new birthing room design: a qualitative study with a care provider perspective. BMC Health Serv Res 2023; 23:1122. [PMID: 37858103 PMCID: PMC10585888 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-023-10051-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Research shows that interventions to protect the sensitive physiological process of birth by improving the birthing room design may positively affect perinatal outcomes. It is, however, crucial to understand the mechanisms and contextual elements that influence the outcomes of such complex interventions. Hence, we aimed to explore care providers' experiences of the implementation of a new hospital birthing room designed to be more supportive of women's birth physiology. METHODS This qualitative study reports on the implementation of the new birthing room, which was evaluated in the Room4Birth randomised controlled trial in Sweden. Individual interviews were undertaken with care providers, including assistant nurses, midwives, obstetricians, and managers (n = 21). A content analysis of interview data was conducted and mapped into the three domains of the Normalisation Process Theory coding manual: implementation context, mechanism, and outcome. RESULTS The implementation of the new room challenged the prevailing biomedical paradigm within the labour ward context and raised the care providers' awareness about the complex interplay between birth physiology and the environment. This awareness had the potential to encourage care providers to be more emotionally present, rather than to focus on monitoring practices. The new room also evoked a sense of insecurity due to its unfamiliar design, which acted as a barrier to integrating the room as a well-functioning part of everyday care practice. CONCLUSION Our findings highlight the disparity that existed between what care providers considered valuable for women during childbirth and their own requirements from the built environment based on their professional responsibilities. This identified disparity emphasises the importance of hospital birthing rooms (i) supporting women's emotions and birth physiology and (ii) being standardised to meet care providers' requirements for a functional work environment. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT03948815, 14/05/2019.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Goldkuhl
- Institute of Health and Care Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Region Västra Götaland, Sweden.
| | - Malin Tistad
- School of Health and Welfare, Dalarna University, Falun, Sweden
- Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institute, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Hanna Gyllensten
- Institute of Health and Care Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg Centre for Person-Centred Care (GPCC), University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Marie Berg
- Institute of Health and Care Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg Centre for Person-Centred Care (GPCC), University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Faculty of Medicine and Community Health, Evangelical University in Africa, Bukavu, Democratic Republic of Congo
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Wangler S, Simon A, Meyer G, Ayerle GM. Influence of the birthing room design on midwives' job satisfaction - A cross-sectional online survey embedded in the 'Be-Up' study. SEXUAL & REPRODUCTIVE HEALTHCARE 2023; 37:100867. [PMID: 37295182 DOI: 10.1016/j.srhc.2023.100867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2023] [Revised: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Job satisfaction is an important factor influencing work performance, personal well-being, commitment and retention. The working environment influences job satisfaction. The design of the birthing room could influence the practice of midwives and their satisfaction. This study investigates whether the alternative design of the birthing room implemented in the randomized controlled trial 'Be-Up' (Birth environment-Upright position) has an impact on job satisfaction of midwives. METHOD A cross-sectional survey using an online questionnaire with 50 items addressing job satisfaction and birth room design was performed. The sample (n = 312) consists of midwives whose obstetric units participated in the Be-Up study and, as comparison group, midwives working in non-study obstetric units. These two independent groups were compared using t-tests; correlations and impacts were examined. RESULTS The results of the T-tests revealed statistically significant higher global job satisfaction and higher satisfaction with team support of midwives in the Be-Up room. However, midwives working in customary birthing rooms were more satisfied with the design of the room. The most important predictors of job satisfaction were team factors and understaffing in both groups. CONCLUSION Reasons for diminished satisfaction with the working environment in the Be-Up study may be assumed in uncertainties about emergency management in a new and unfamiliar environment. Furthermore the impact of a single redesigned room within a customary obstetric unit on job satisfaction seems small, as the room is embedded in the ward and hospital environment. More comprehensive concepts on the potential of the work environment influencing midwives' job satisfaction are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonja Wangler
- Institute of Health and Nursing Science, Medical Faculty, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany; School of Health Sciences and Management, Baden-Wuerttemberg Cooperative State University (DHBW), Stuttgart, Germany.
| | - Anke Simon
- School of Health Sciences and Management, Baden-Wuerttemberg Cooperative State University (DHBW), Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Gabriele Meyer
- Institute of Health and Nursing Science, Medical Faculty, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Gertrud M Ayerle
- Institute of Health and Nursing Science, Medical Faculty, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
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Ayerle GM, Mattern E, Striebich S, Oganowski T, Ocker R, Haastert B, Schäfers R, Seliger G. Effect of alternatively designed hospital birthing rooms on the rate of vaginal births: Multicentre randomised controlled trial Be-Up. Women Birth 2023; 36:429-438. [PMID: 36935270 DOI: 10.1016/j.wombi.2023.02.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Revised: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is limited research into the effects of the birth environment on birth outcomes. AIM To investigate the effect of a hospital birthing room designed to encourage mobility, self-determination and uptake of upright maternal positions in labour on the rate of vaginal births. METHODS The multicentre randomised controlled trial Be-Up, conducted from April 2018 to May 2021 in 22 hospitals in Germany, included 3719 pregnant women with a singleton pregnancy in cephalic position at term. In the intervention birthing room, the bed was removed or covered in a corner of the room and materials were provided to promote upright maternal positions, physical mobility and self-determination. No changes were made in the control birthing room. The primary outcome was probability of vaginal births; secondary outcomes were episiotomy, perineal tears degree 3 and 4, epidural anaesthesia, "critical outcome of newborns at term", and maternal self-determination (LAS). ANALYSIS intention-to-treat. FINDINGS The rate of vaginal births was 89.1 % (95 % CI 87.5-90.4%; n = 1836) in the intervention group and 88.5 % (95 % CI 87.0-89.9 %; n = 1863) in the control group. The risk difference in the probability of vaginal birth was + 0.54 % (95 % CI - 1.49 % to 2.57 %), the odds ratio was 1.06 (95 % CI 0.86-1.30). Neither the secondary endpoints nor serious adverse events showed significant differences. Regardless of group assignment, there was a significant association between upright maternal body position and maternal self-determination. CONCLUSION The increased vaginal birth rates in both comparison groups can be explained by the high motivation of the women and the staff.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gertrud M Ayerle
- Institute of Health and Nursing Science, Medical Faculty, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Strasse 8, 06112 Halle, Saale, Germany.
| | - Elke Mattern
- Study Programme Midwifery Science, Department of Applied Health Sciences, Hochschule für Gesundheit, University of Applied Sciences, Gesundheitscampus 6 - 8, 44801 Bochum, Germany
| | - Sabine Striebich
- Institute of Health and Nursing Science, Medical Faculty, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Strasse 8, 06112 Halle, Saale, Germany
| | - Theresa Oganowski
- Study Programme Midwifery Science, Department of Applied Health Sciences, Hochschule für Gesundheit, University of Applied Sciences, Gesundheitscampus 6 - 8, 44801 Bochum, Germany
| | - Ronja Ocker
- Clinic and Polyclinic for Obstetrics and Prenatal Medicine, University Hospital Halle, Ernst-Grube-Strasse 40, 06120 Halle, Saale, Germany
| | | | - Rainhild Schäfers
- Study Programme Midwifery Science, Department of Applied Health Sciences, Hochschule für Gesundheit, University of Applied Sciences, Gesundheitscampus 6 - 8, 44801 Bochum, Germany
| | - Gregor Seliger
- Clinic and Polyclinic for Obstetrics and Prenatal Medicine, University Hospital Halle, Ernst-Grube-Strasse 40, 06120 Halle, Saale, Germany
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Nilvér H, Berg M. The Birth Companions' Experience of the Birthing Room and How It Influences the Supportive Role: A Qualitative Study. HERD-HEALTH ENVIRONMENTS RESEARCH & DESIGN JOURNAL 2023; 16:156-167. [PMID: 37113053 PMCID: PMC10328140 DOI: 10.1177/19375867231163336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/29/2023]
Abstract
AIM To explore birth companions' experience of the birthing room and how it influences their role supporting the woman during labor and birth. BACKGROUND Although support from a birth companion positively affects the outcome of labor and birth, limited research explores how the birthing room influences the companion. This study identifies elements of the birthing room essential for the birth companion to offer optimal support to the woman during labor and birth. METHODS Fifteen birth companions were individually interviewed 2 weeks to 6 months after birth using a semi-structured interview guide. Transcribed interviews were analyzed based on reflexive thematic analysis. RESULTS The findings are captured by one overall theme: creating a supportive birth space in an unfamiliar environment. This creation process is further described by three subthemes: not being in the way, finding one's role, and being close to the birthing woman. CONCLUSIONS The findings illustrate how the birthing room was an unfamiliar environment for the birth companions, but one that they needed in order to give the required support. With slight changes in physical design, the birthing room can become calmer and more private and better help the birth companion fulfill the supportive role.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helena Nilvér
- Institute of Health and Care Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Marie Berg
- Institute of Health and Care Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Sweden
- Faculty of Medicine and Community Health, Evangelical University in Africa, Bukavu, Democratic Republic of Congo
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Goldkuhl L, Gyllensten H, Begley C, Nilsson C, Wijk H, Lindahl G, Uvnäs-Moberg K, Berg M. Impact of Birthing Room Design on Maternal Childbirth Experience: Results From the Room4Birth Randomized Trial. HERD-HEALTH ENVIRONMENTS RESEARCH & DESIGN JOURNAL 2023; 16:200-218. [PMID: 36239523 PMCID: PMC9755691 DOI: 10.1177/19375867221124232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To study the effect of the birthing room design on nulliparous women's childbirth experience up to 1 year after birth. BACKGROUND Although it is known that the birth environment can support or hinder birth processes, the impact of the birthing room design on maternal childbirth experience over time is insufficiently studied. METHODS The Room4Birth randomized controlled trial was conducted at a labor ward in Sweden. Nulliparous women in active stage of spontaneous labor were randomized (n = 406) to either a regular birthing room (n = 202) or a new birthing room designed with more person-centered considerations (n = 204). Childbirth experiences were measured 2 hr, 3 months, and 12 months after birth by using a Visual Analogue Scale of Overall Childbirth Experience (VAS-OCE), the Fear of Birth Scale (FOBS), and the Childbirth Experience Questionnaire (CEQ2). RESULTS Women randomized to the new room had a more positive childbirth experience reported on the VAS-OCE 3 months (p = .002) and 12 months (p = .021) after birth compared to women randomized to a regular room. Women in the new room also scored higher in the total CEQ2 score (p = .039) and within the CEQ2 subdomain own capacity after 3 months (p = .028). The remaining CEQ2 domains and the FOBS scores did not differ between the groups. CONCLUSIONS These findings show that a birthing room offering more possibilities to change features and functions in the room according to personal needs and requirements, positively affects the childbirth experience of nulliparous women 3 and 12 months after they have given birth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Goldkuhl
- Institute of Health and Care Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Sweden,Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden,Lisa Goldkuhl, MSc, RN, RM, Arvid Wallgrens backe, Box 457, 405 30 Gothenburg, Sweden.
| | - Hanna Gyllensten
- Institute of Health and Care Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Sweden,University of Gothenburg Centre for Person-Centred Care (GPCC), Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Cecily Begley
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Trinity College Dublin, The University of Dublin, Ireland
| | - Christina Nilsson
- Munkebäck Antenatal Clinic, Region Västra Götaland, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Helle Wijk
- Institute of Health and Care Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Sweden,Department of Quality Assurance and Patient Safety, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden,Centre for Healthcare Architecture, CVA, Chalmers University of Technology, Gothenburg, Sweden,Department of Architecture and Civil Engineering, Building Design, Chalmers University of Technology, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Göran Lindahl
- Centre for Healthcare Architecture, CVA, Chalmers University of Technology, Gothenburg, Sweden,Department of Architecture and Civil Engineering, Building Design, Chalmers University of Technology, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | | | - Marie Berg
- Institute of Health and Care Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Sweden,Faculty of Medicine and Community Health, Evangelical University in Africa, Bukavu, D. R. Congo
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Guzewicz P, Sierakowska M. The Role of Midwives in the Course of Natural Childbirth-Analysis of Sociodemographic and Psychosocial Factors-A Cross-Sectional Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:15824. [PMID: 36497898 PMCID: PMC9739036 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192315824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2022] [Revised: 11/24/2022] [Accepted: 11/25/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND An important role in the course of natural childbirth is played by midwives, who should effectively work on relieving pain. This study aims to present the opinions of midwives on non-pharmacological methods of relieving labor pain; the frequency of their use and reasons for their abandonment; and the relationship between the use of non-pharmacological methods of relieving labor pain and perceived job satisfaction, burnout, and self-efficacy of the midwife. METHODS The study was conducted online, with the participation of 135 Polish midwives working in the delivery room. The author's survey questionnaire, the Generalized Self-Efficacy Scale (GSES), the LBQ Burnout Questionnaire, and the Scale of Job Satisfaction were used. RESULTS Among the surveyed midwives, 77% use vertical positions in work with a patient giving birth. Almost all respondents consider vertical positions as an example of a non-pharmacological method of relieving labor pain; those with master's degree felt more prepared for their use (p = 0.02). The most common reason for abandoning their use was disagreement on the part of co-workers (p = 0.005). An association was observed between the use of vertical positions and the level of burnout (p = 0.001) and a significant correlation between preparation for their use and self-efficacy assessment, burnout, and job satisfaction. CONCLUSION Our research shows that it would be important to conduct additional training on the use of non-pharmacological methods to relieve labor pain and to present their benefits. In contrast to other research results, our results showed that midwives feel well prepared to use these methods; however, similar to other research, we found that they often feel disagreement from colleagues and a lack of support from their leaders. The use of vertical positions is related to burnout.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrycja Guzewicz
- Department of Integrated Medical Care, Medical University of Bialystok, ul. M. Skłodowskiej—Curie 7A, 15-096 Białystok, Poland
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Luegmair K, Ayerle GM, Steckelberg A. Midwives' action-guiding orientation while attending hospital births - A scoping review. SEXUAL & REPRODUCTIVE HEALTHCARE 2022; 34:100778. [PMID: 36152453 DOI: 10.1016/j.srhc.2022.100778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2022] [Revised: 08/18/2022] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Following the "call for action to research", various aspects of maternity care should be examined so that perinatal care can be improved based on evidence. Clinical midwifery is the most common way of attending births in high-income countries. Midwives are the experts for normal labor and birth and play a central role in caring for women giving birth in a hospital setting. The aim of this scoping review was to explore midwives' action-guiding orientation in their care provision during hospital births in high-income countries. Four databases (CINAHL, PubMed, MEDLINE and PSYNDEX) were searched systematically for studies in English or German on midwives' action-guiding orientation during hospital labor and birth, published between 2000 and February 2022. Only studies from peer-reviewed journals were included. Reporting followed the PRISMA-ScR statement for scoping reviews. From a total of 1572 studies, 26 studies with 4 different research designs were included in the narrative synthesis. The synthesis shows 7 central concepts that emerge in the studies: medicalization of birth versus woman-centered care; midwives' knowledge and experience; midwives' professional identity; midwives' confidence or autonomy in practice; intra-professional and multi-professional relations; continuity of care and relationship with the woman; and working conditions and cultural context. The central concept most reflective of midwives' action-guiding orientation was "medicalization of birth versus woman-centered care." Other elements that affect midwives' action-guiding orientation and represent influencing factors at the micro, meso, and macro levels of obstetric care must be considered if one is to understand the profession and work of midwives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karolina Luegmair
- Institute of Health and Nursing Science, Martin Luther University, Halle-Wittenberg, Germany; Katholische Stiftungshochschule München, University of Applied Sciences, München, Germany.
| | - Gertrud M Ayerle
- Institute of Health and Nursing Science, Martin Luther University, Halle-Wittenberg, Germany.
| | - Anke Steckelberg
- Institute of Health and Nursing Science, Martin Luther University, Halle-Wittenberg, Germany.
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Goldkuhl L, Gyllensten H, Begley C, Wijk H, Nilsson C, Lindahl G, Ringqvist AK, Uvnäs-Moberg K, Berg M. Room4Birth - The effect of giving birth in a hospital birthing room designed with person-centred considerations: A Swedish randomised controlled trial. SEXUAL & REPRODUCTIVE HEALTHCARE 2022; 32:100731. [PMID: 35500476 DOI: 10.1016/j.srhc.2022.100731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2021] [Revised: 04/18/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate if a birthing room designed with person-centred considerations improves labour and birth outcomes for nulliparous women when compared to regular birthing rooms. METHODS A randomised controlled trial was conducted at a Swedish labour ward between January 2019 and October 2020. Nulliparous women in spontaneous labour were randomised either to a birthing room designed with person-centred considerations (New room) or a Regular room. The primary outcome was a composite of four variables: vaginal non-instrumental birth; no oxytocin augmentation; postpartum blood loss < 1000 ml; and a positive childbirth experience. To detect a difference of 8% between the groups, 1274 study participants were needed, but the trial was terminated early due to consequences of the Covid-19 pandemic. RESULTS A total of 406 women were randomised; 204 to the New room and 202 to the Regular room. There was no significant difference in the primary outcome between the groups (42.2% versus 35.1%; odds ratio: 1.35, 95% Confidence Interval 0.90-2.01; p = 0.18). Participants in the New room used epidural analgesia to a lower extent (54.4% versus 65.3%, relative risk: 0.83, 95% Confidence Interval 0.71-0.98; p = 0.03) and reported to a higher degree that the room contributed to a sense of safety, control, and integrity (p=<0.001). CONCLUSIONS The hypothesis that the New room would improve the primary outcome could not be verified. Considering the early discontinuation of the study, results should be interpreted with caution. Nevertheless, analyses of our secondary outcomes emphasise the experiential value of the built birth environment in improving care for labouring women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Goldkuhl
- Institute of Health and Care Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, Arvid Wallgrens backe, Box 457, 405 30, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden; Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Diagnosvagen 11, 41685 Gothenburg, Region Västra Götaland, Sweden.
| | - Hanna Gyllensten
- Institute of Health and Care Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, Arvid Wallgrens backe, Box 457, 405 30, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden; University of Gothenburg Centre for Person-Centred Care (GPCC), Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Cecily Begley
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Trinity College Dublin, The University of Dublin, College Green, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Helle Wijk
- Institute of Health and Care Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, Arvid Wallgrens backe, Box 457, 405 30, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden; Department of Quality Assurance and Patient Safety, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Blå stråket 5, 413 45, Region Västra Götaland, Gothenburg, Sweden; Centre for Healthcare Architecture (CVA), Chalmers University of Technology, Chalmersplatsen 4, 412 96 Gothenburg, Sweden; Department of Architecture and Civil Engineering, Building Design, Chalmers University of Technology, Chalmersplatsen 4, 412 96 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Christina Nilsson
- Munkebäck Antenatal Clinic, Munkebäckstorg 6, 416 73 Gothenburg, Region Västra Götaland, Sweden
| | - Göran Lindahl
- Centre for Healthcare Architecture (CVA), Chalmers University of Technology, Chalmersplatsen 4, 412 96 Gothenburg, Sweden; Department of Architecture and Civil Engineering, Building Design, Chalmers University of Technology, Chalmersplatsen 4, 412 96 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Anna-Karin Ringqvist
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Diagnosvagen 11, 41685 Gothenburg, Region Västra Götaland, Sweden
| | - Kerstin Uvnäs-Moberg
- University of Agriculture (SLU), Almas Allé 8, 750 07, Uppsala University, Sweden
| | - Marie Berg
- Institute of Health and Care Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, Arvid Wallgrens backe, Box 457, 405 30, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden; Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Diagnosvagen 11, 41685 Gothenburg, Region Västra Götaland, Sweden; Faculty of Medicine and Community Health, Evangelical University of Africa, Bukavu, Democratic Republic of the Congo, The
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Skogström LB, Vithal E, Wijk H, Lindahl G, Berg M. Women's Experiences of Physical Features in a Specially Designed Birthing Room: A Mixed-Methods Study in Sweden. HERD-HEALTH ENVIRONMENTS RESEARCH & DESIGN JOURNAL 2022; 15:193-205. [PMID: 35293256 PMCID: PMC9254390 DOI: 10.1177/19375867221077097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Aim: To explore women’s experiences of physical features in a birthing room
designed to be adaptable to personal wishes and needs during labor and
birth. Background: Childbirth is a central life event influenced by numerous factors, including
the healthcare environment; however, there is insufficient knowledge on how
the physical design affects women during birth. Methods: This study was part of a randomized controlled trial in the Room4Birth
research project, including women randomized to receive care in a new
birthing room designed with physical features changeable according to
personal wishes. Data consisted of responses to two questions analyzed with
descriptive statistics (n = 202) and semi-structured
interviews analyzed for content (n = 19). Results: A total of 93.6% (n = 189) assessed the physical features in
the birthing room as meaningful to a very high or high extent. The overall
impression of the room was positive and exceeded women’s expectations. They
felt welcomed and strengthened by the room, which shifted the focus to a
more positive emotional state. The room differed from traditional hospital
birthing rooms, contained familiar features that maintained integrity, and
had space for companions. The variety of physical features was appreciated.
Of nine listed physical features, the bathtub was ranked most important,
followed by the projection of nature scenery, and dimmable lighting, but the
room as a whole appeared most important. Conclusions: When planning and designing hospital-based birthing rooms, it is crucial to
offer possibilities to adapt the room and physical features according to
personal wishes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Björnson Skogström
- Institute of Health and Care Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Sweden.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden.,Centre for Healthcare Architecture (CVA), Chalmers University of Technology, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Emma Vithal
- Institute of Health and Care Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Sweden.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Helle Wijk
- Institute of Health and Care Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Sweden.,Centre for Healthcare Architecture (CVA), Chalmers University of Technology, Gothenburg, Sweden.,Division of Building Design, Department of Architecture and Civil Engineering, Chalmers University of Technology, Gothenburg, Sweden.,Department of Quality Assurance and Patient Safety, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Göran Lindahl
- Centre for Healthcare Architecture (CVA), Chalmers University of Technology, Gothenburg, Sweden.,Division of Building Design, Department of Architecture and Civil Engineering, Chalmers University of Technology, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Marie Berg
- Institute of Health and Care Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Sweden.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
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