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Tjernström K, Lindberg I, Wiklund M, Persson M. Overlooked by the obstetric gaze - how women with persistent health problems due to severe perineal trauma experience encounters with healthcare services: a qualitative study. BMC Health Serv Res 2024; 24:610. [PMID: 38724992 PMCID: PMC11084138 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-024-11037-5] [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: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND During the first year postpartum, about 25 per cent of Swedish women with severe perineal trauma (SPT), i.e., a third- or fourth-degree perineal laceration at childbirth, are unsatisfied with their healthcare contacts. Further, there is a lack of research on the more long-term experiences of healthcare encounters among women with persistent SPT-related health problems. This study explores how women with self-reported persistent SPT-related health problems experience their contact with healthcare services 18 months to five years after childbirth when the SPT occurred. METHODS In this descriptive qualitative study, a purposive sample of twelve women with self-reported persistent health problems after SPT were individually interviewed from November 2020 - February 2022. The data was analysed using inductive qualitative content analysis. RESULTS Our results showed a paradoxical situation for women with persistent health problems due to SPT. They struggled with their traumatised body, but healthcare professionals rejected their health problems as postpartum normalities. This paradox highlighted the women's difficulties in accessing postpartum healthcare, rehabilitation, and sick leave, which left them with neglected healthcare needs, diminished emotional well-being, and loss of financial and social status. Our results indicated that these health problems did not diminish over time. Consequently, the women had to search relentlessly for a 'key person' in healthcare who acknowledged their persistent problems as legitimate to access needed care, rehabilitation, and sick leave, thus feeling empowered. CONCLUSIONS Our study revealed that women with persistent SPT-related health problems experienced complex health challenges. Additionally, their needs for medical care, rehabilitation, and sick leave were largely neglected. Thus, the study highlights an inequitable provision of SPT-related healthcare services in Sweden, including regional disparities in access to care. Hence, the authors suggest that Swedish national guidelines for SPT-related care need to be developed and implemented, applying a woman-centered approach, to ensure equitable, effective, and accessible healthcare.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Inger Lindberg
- Department of Nursing, Umeå University, 901 87, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Maria Wiklund
- Department of Community Medicine and Rehabilitation, Section of Physiotherapy, Umeå University, 901 87, Umeå, Sweden
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Nutaitis AC, Ferrando CA, Propst K. Patient Perspectives Following Obstetric Anal Sphincter Injury. UROGYNECOLOGY (PHILADELPHIA, PA.) 2024:02273501-990000000-00208. [PMID: 38621419 DOI: 10.1097/spv.0000000000001506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/17/2024]
Abstract
IMPORTANCE An obstetric anal sphincter injury can significantly affect patients. Support for these patients is both limited and not well understood. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to describe patient experiences after an obstetric anal sphincter injury. STUDY DESIGN This is a prospective cross-sectional qualitative study of patients who experienced an obstetric anal sphincter injury within a tertiary care network between May and June of 2022. Demographic data, clinical data regarding the delivery, and the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale were collected. Prospective semistructured interviews were conducted approximately 5-12 weeks postpartum to address opportunities to improve obstetric anal sphincter injury care. Qualitative analysis was performed using a grounded theory approach. RESULTS Fifteen women with a mean age of 31 (±3.93) years participated. The majority identified as White (93.3%) and non-Hispanic (100%). All participants identified as being married to men and completing undergraduate education; 9 (60%) also received postgraduate education. Five participants (33.3%) screened positive (score of 10 or greater) for postnatal depression on the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale. Thematic saturation was reached with 3 major themes identified: (1) pain control, (2) desire for multifactorial support, and (3) obstetric anal sphincter injury knowledge and awareness. CONCLUSIONS Experiencing an obstetric anal sphincter injury represents a great unknown to most women. This study identifies opportunities for improved postpartum care through education, pain control, and patient support. Interventions are needed to improve the postpartum experience for women who experience an obstetric anal sphincter injury with childbirth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra C Nutaitis
- From the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cleveland Clinic Akron General, Akron, OH
| | - Cecile A Ferrando
- Center for Urogynecology and Pelvic Reconstructive Surgery, Women's Health Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH
| | - Katie Propst
- Urogynecology and Pelvic Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL
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Molyneux R, Fowler G, Slade P. The postnatal effects of perineal trauma on maternal psychological and emotional wellbeing: A longitudinal study. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol 2024; 294:238-244. [PMID: 38320435 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2024.01.035] [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: 10/10/2023] [Revised: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 02/08/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine the postnatal psychological health and parenting adjustment of primiparous women experiencing perineal trauma. STUDY DESIGN Longitudinal cohort study assessing body image, perceptions of traumatic birth, psychological distress, perineal pain, impact upon parental tasks and mother-infant bonding at 6-12 weeks (n = 103) and 6-10 months postnatally (n = 91). Primiparous women were recruited following vaginal birth and perineal suturing in a UK-based maternity hospital. al. Comparisons made according to the objective classification of perineal trauma experienced; 1st/2nd degree tear, episiotomy, and Obstetric Anal Sphincter Injuries (OASI). RESULTS At 6-12 weeks women with an episiotomy reported a more negative perception of their body image than those with OASI. Women with OASI or an episiotomy were more likely to have experienced birth as traumatic, and those with OASI reported more avoidance symptoms of post-traumatic stress and a greater negative impact on parenting tasks. At 6-10 months significantly more avoidance symptoms continued to be reported by those with OASI, whereas those with an episiotomy reported more anxiety related symptoms in general than those with OASI. CONCLUSIONS OASI, whilst associated with traumatic birth and some early parenting impacts, may not be linked to general negative psychological outcomes when specialist routine follow-up care is provided. Psychological impacts for women with episiotomy may merit further input than currently provided. Consideration should be given with regards to widening the access to postnatal perineal care by extending the criteria for specialist follow up beyond those sustaining OASI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Molyneux
- Liverpool Women's NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Gillian Fowler
- Liverpool Women's NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Pauline Slade
- Department of Primary Care and Mental Health, Institute of Population Health, The University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom.
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Roman MP, Aggarwal S, Doumouchtsis SK. A systematic review and meta-synthesis of qualitative studies on childbirth perineal trauma for the development of a Core Outcome Set. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol 2023; 290:51-59. [PMID: 37734138 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2023.09.010] [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: 07/28/2023] [Revised: 09/02/2023] [Accepted: 09/10/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Perineal injury occurs in 85% of cases during vaginal childbirth. This study aimed to synthesize qualitative data on women's perceptions of perineal trauma during vaginal childbirth. STUDY DESIGN Thematic synthesis was applied utilizing a structured three-step framework. First, line-by-line coding strategy was applied to the included studies. Secondly, related codes were grouped together to develop descriptive themes to emphasize what matters most for women suffering from childbirth perineal trauma. Thirdly, analytical themes were developed. The quality of the included studies was high based on the assessment using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme tool. RESULTS Ten eligible studies were included in the meta-synthesis. Twenty-three codes encompassing multiple aspects of childbirth trauma from women's perspective were organised into a set of eight descriptive themes: psychosocial effects, communication, recovery, pain, support, knowledge of childbirth perineal trauma, sexuality, and prioritization. CONCLUSIONS Among the descriptive themes, psychosocial effects, communication, and recovery exhibited the highest prevalence. The findings of this meta-synthesis may serve as a reporting guideline for future studies investigating the consequences of childbirth perineal trauma, ensuring that women's priorities are accurately reflected in reported outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Patricia Roman
- 2nd Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, "Iuliu Hațieganu" University of Medicine and Pharmacy Cluj-Napoca, Romania; 2nd Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, County Emergency Hospital Cluj-Napoca, Romania.
| | - Shaurya Aggarwal
- Broomfield Hospital, Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust, UK
| | - Stergios K Doumouchtsis
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Epsom and St. Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust, Epsom, UK; St. George's University of London, London, UK; Laboratory of Experimental Surgery and Surgical Research "N.S. Christeas", National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Medical School, Athens, Greece; School of Medicine, American University of the Caribbean, Cupecoy, Sint Maarten (Dutch Part); School of Medicine, Ross University, Miramar, FL, USA
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Tjernström K, Lindberg I, Wiklund M, Persson M. Negotiating the ambiguity of an (in)authentic working life: a grounded theory study into severe perineal trauma. BMC Womens Health 2023; 23:47. [PMID: 36750837 PMCID: PMC9902817 DOI: 10.1186/s12905-023-02191-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/23/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In Sweden, persistent physical and psychological health problems occur in about three in ten women who sustain severe perineal trauma (SPT) during childbirth. As most Swedish women work outside the home, the question of if and how SPT-related morbidity influences working life needs exploration. This study aims to qualitatively explore how women with persistent SPT-related morbidities experience and conceptualise their problems concerning working life. Further, we theorise the findings by applying Simone de Beauvoir's feminist framework of immanence and transcendence as well as authentic and inauthentic life. METHODS Ten interviews with women recruited via a Swedish social media community for perineal trauma were analysed according to Charmaz's constructivist approach to grounded theory. RESULTS The theoretical model and related core category 'Negotiating the ambiguity of an (in)authentic working life' reflected the women's negotiations of immanence as 'the silent covert object' versus transcendence as the 'the resourceful overt subject'. The model also mirrored the conflict of (in)authenticity in working life. An inauthentic working life was experienced when women were denied their subjectivity at work or constructed themselves as subjects in denial of their SPT. On the other hand, women who acknowledged their SPT and were constructed as subjects by 'others' achieved an authentic working life despite SPT. CONCLUSIONS The conflicting gendered process of 'the silent covert object' versus 'the resourceful overt subject' problematised women's vulnerability at work. Aspects that enable subjectification and transcendence are essential for policymakers, employers, healthcare services, and society to eradicate the taboo of SPT and create a working environment characterised by understanding, support, and flexibility. Further, access to adequate care, sick leave, and occupational rehabilitation are essential. Such measures support transcendence towards an authentic working life and, consequently, a more gender-equal working environment that does not deprive women of career opportunities due to a physical ailment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Inger Lindberg
- grid.12650.300000 0001 1034 3451Department of Nursing, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Maria Wiklund
- grid.12650.300000 0001 1034 3451Department of Community Medicine and Rehabilitation, Section of Physiotherapy, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Margareta Persson
- grid.12650.300000 0001 1034 3451Department of Nursing, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
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O'Rourke K, Yelland J, Newton M, Shafiei T. Matching of woman and doula, and the generation of trust in an Australian volunteer doula program: Findings from a realist evaluation. HEALTH & SOCIAL CARE IN THE COMMUNITY 2022; 30:e5423-e5433. [PMID: 35924682 PMCID: PMC10087570 DOI: 10.1111/hsc.13965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2021] [Revised: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
How women are cared for while pregnant and having a new baby can have profound and lasting effects on their health and well-being. While mainstream maternity care systems aspire to provide care that is woman-centred, women with fewest social and economic resources often have reduced access. Community-based doula support programs offer complementary care for these women and are known to, on average, have positive outcomes. Less understood is how, when and why these programs work. A realist evaluation of an Australian volunteer doula program provided for women experiencing socioeconomic adversity explored these questions. The program provides free non-medical, social, emotional, and practical support by trained doulas during pregnancy, birth and new parenting. This paper reports the testing and refinement of one program theory from the larger study. The theory, previously developed from key informant interviews and rapid realist review of literature, hypothesised that the cultural matching of woman (client) and doula led to best outcomes. This was tested in realist interviews with women and focus groups with doulas, in January-February 2020. Seven English speaking, and six Arabic speaking clients were interviewed. Two focus groups were conducted with a total of eight doulas from diverse cultural and professional backgrounds. Data were analysed in NVivo. The study found cultural matching to be valued by some but not all women, and only when the doula was also genuinely interested, kind, timely and reliable. These approaches (with or without cultural matching) generate trust between the doula and woman. Trust theory, reflexivity theory and social relations theory supported explanatory understanding of the causal contribution of a doula knowing what it takes to build trust, to a woman deciding to trust her doula.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kerryn O'Rourke
- Judith Lumley CentreLa Trobe UniversityBundooraVictoriaAustralia
- Realist Research Evaluation and Learning InitiativeNorthern Institute Charles Darwin UniversityCasuarina, DarwinNorthern TerritoryAustralia
| | - Jane Yelland
- Murdoch Children's Research InstituteParkvilleVictoriaAustralia
- Department General PracticeUniversity of MelbourneParkvilleAustralia
| | - Michelle Newton
- Judith Lumley CentreLa Trobe UniversityBundooraVictoriaAustralia
- School of Nursing and MidwiferyLa Trobe UniversityBundooraVictoriaAustralia
| | - Touran Shafiei
- Judith Lumley CentreLa Trobe UniversityBundooraVictoriaAustralia
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How and when doula support increases confidence in women experiencing socioeconomic adversity: Findings from a realist evaluation of an Australian volunteer doula program. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0270755. [PMID: 35771881 PMCID: PMC9246160 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0270755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2021] [Accepted: 06/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
How women are cared for while having a baby can have lasting effects on their lives. Women value relational care with continuity—when caregivers get to know them as individuals. Despite evidence of benefit and global policy support, few maternity care systems across the world routinely offer relational continuity. Women experiencing socioeconomic adversity have least access to good quality maternity care. Community-based doula support programs offer complementary care for these women and are known to, on average, have positive outcomes. Less understood is how, when, and why these programs work. A realist evaluation of an Australian volunteer doula program explored these questions. The program provides free social, emotional, and practical support by trained doulas during pregnancy, birth, and early parenting. This paper reports the testing and refinement of one program theory from the larger study. The theory, previously developed from key informant interviews and rapid realist review of literature, hypothesised that support increased a woman’s confidence via two possible pathways—by being with her and enabling her to see her own strength and value; and by praising her, and her feeling validated as a mother. This study aimed to test the theory in realist interviews with clients, focus groups with doulas, and with routinely collected pre-post data. Seven English-speaking and six Arabic-speaking clients were interviewed, and two focus groups with a total of eight doulas were conducted, in January-February 2020. Qualitative data were analysed in relation to the hypothesised program theory. Quantitative data were analysed for differential outcomes. Formal theories of Recognition and Relational reflexivity supported explanatory understanding. The refined program theory, Recognition, explains how and when a doula’s recognition of a woman, increases confidence, or not. Five context-mechanism-outcome configurations lead to five outcomes that differ by nature and longevity, including absence of felt confidence.
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Improving women's experiences of perineal suturing: A pragmatic qualitative analysis of what is helpful and harmful. Women Birth 2022; 35:e598-e606. [PMID: 35216938 DOI: 10.1016/j.wombi.2022.02.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2021] [Revised: 02/14/2022] [Accepted: 02/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Perineal trauma requiring suturing is increasing, along with the associated physiological and psychological morbidities for women. Provider training appears to focus more on technical aspects rather than respectful, relational care for women. Studies exploring women's experiences have identified that how women are cared for can significantly impact upon overall experiences. AIM To identify areas of improvement to the perineal suturing process and provide robust recommendations for urgent change by investigating what aspects are most traumatic to women and which are most supportive. METHODS A pragmatic qualitative analysis of data generated from 15 in-depth interviews with women who were sutured following birth. FINDINGS Regardless of tear severity, what was identified as helpful included anything that made the process better by increasing feelings of trust and reassurance, and providing women with a sense of being seen and heard. Harmful experiences were identified as those that worsened the experience, by increasing feelings of fear and vulnerability and leaving women with a sense of being disregarded or disrespected. CONCLUSION The study confirmed that how the suturing process is conducted can have a significant detrimental impact upon women's short- and longer-term physical and psychological well-being. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE An improved experience for women is most likely with kind professionals who explain the process as it goes along, check-in regularly and validate how the women feel. Women prefer to be sutured by a known professional, only if this provider is also kind and respectful.
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Obstetrical Anal Sphincter Injuries and the Need for Adequate Care. Female Pelvic Med Reconstr Surg 2019; 25:109-112. [DOI: 10.1097/spv.0000000000000684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
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Thurston LA, Stone J, Mileski M, Abrams D, Huggins W. An interprofessional approach to prevent recurrent obstetric anal sphincter injury (OASIS): A case report. Clin Case Rep 2018; 6:2326-2332. [PMID: 30564323 PMCID: PMC6293144 DOI: 10.1002/ccr3.1834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2018] [Revised: 08/20/2018] [Accepted: 08/30/2018] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Successful outcomes in this case are consistent with the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologist (ACOG) guidelines for preventing OASIS. The interprofessional birth care team (IBCT) model exemplified by this case focuses on best practice in promoting a family's preferences for physiologic birth and preventing recurrent OASIS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lydia A. Thurston
- Department of Physical Therapy, College of Health SciencesSamford UniversityBirminghamAlabama
| | - Jennifer Stone
- Department of Physical TherapyUniversity of Missouri HealthcareColumbiaMissouri
| | - Megan Mileski
- Ida Moffett School of Nursing, College of Health SciencesSamford UniversityBirminghamAlabama
| | - Dalia Abrams
- Birthwell Partners Community Doula ProjectBirminghamAlabama
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"Struggling to settle with a damaged body" - A Swedish qualitative study of women's experiences one year after obstetric anal sphincter muscle injury (OASIS) at childbirth. SEXUAL & REPRODUCTIVE HEALTHCARE 2018; 19:36-41. [PMID: 30928133 DOI: 10.1016/j.srhc.2018.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2018] [Revised: 11/14/2018] [Accepted: 11/19/2018] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aimed to explore women's experiences related to recovery from obstetric anal sphincter muscle injuries (OASIS) one year after childbirth. METHOD This is a qualitative study based on written responses from 625 women approximately one year after childbirth in which OASIS occurred. Data was obtained from a questionnaire distributed by the national Perineal Laceration Register (PLR) in Sweden. Inductive qualitative content analysis was applied for analysis. RESULTS The theme "Struggling to settle with a damaged body" indicated that the first year after OASIS involved a struggle to settle to and accept living with a changed and sometimes still-wounded body. Many participants described problems related to a non-functional sexual life, physical and psychological problems that left them feeling used and broken, and increased worries for their future health and pregnancies. However, some women had adjusted to their situation, had moved on with their lives, and felt recovered and strong. Encountering a supportive and helpful health care professional was emphasized as vital for recovery after OASIS. CONCLUSION This study provides important insights on how women experience their recovery approximately one year after having had OASIS at childbirth, wherein many women still struggled to settle into their damaged bodies. Clear pathways are needed within health care organizations to appropriate health care services that address both physical and psychological health problems of women with prolonged recovery after OASIS.
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Lindqvist M, Persson M, Nilsson M, Uustal E, Lindberg I. ‘A worse nightmare than expected’ - a Swedish qualitative study of women's experiences two months after obstetric anal sphincter muscle injury. Midwifery 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.midw.2018.02.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Crookall R, Fowler G, Wood C, Slade P. A systematic mixed studies review of women's experiences of perineal trauma sustained during childbirth. J Adv Nurs 2018; 74:2038-2052. [PMID: 29791012 DOI: 10.1111/jan.13724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2017] [Accepted: 03/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
AIM To explore the quantitative/qualitative literature on women's experiences of perineal trauma sustained during childbirth and the impact it may have on psychological/emotional wellbeing BACKGROUND: Obstetric complications during childbirth can be a risk factor for postpartum psychological distress. Perineal trauma is one of the most frequent obstetric complications and it is important to understand any impact on psychological/emotional wellbeing. DESIGN A convergent qualitative design using a hybrid deductive-inductive thematic synthesis approach to data transformation was used. DATA SOURCES Web of knowledge, CINAHL, MEDLINE, AMED, PsyArticles, PsycInfo until May 2017. REVIEW METHODS Stage 1: transforming findings from the qualitative, quantitative and mixed methods studies into themes using thematic synthesis. Stage 2: integrating themes from the quantitative studies into those derived from the qualitative studies RESULTS: Records (N=2152) found of which 11 qualitative 22 quantitative and 1 mixed methods were included in this review. Five themes were derived from thematic synthesis of qualitative studies 'The mystery of perineal trauma', 'The misery of perineal suturing', 'The postnatal perineum', 'Normalisation and feeling dismissed' and 'Adjusting to a new normal - Coping and compromise' and five themes identified from the quantitative studies, experience of birth (N=4), Sexual functioning (N=12), Social functioning (N=2), Psychological health (N=8) and Quality of Life (N=5). CONCLUSION Perineal trauma can have a negative impact on psychological/emotional wellbeing, however the literature is conflicted and in need of clarification. Future research should clearly describe the perineal status of the women in the sample, use validated measures and consider the timing of such measures. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Gillian Fowler
- Consultant Urogynaecologist, Liverpool Women's NHS Foundation Trust
| | - Caroline Wood
- Specialist Urogynaecological link midwife, Liverpool Women's NHS Foundation Trust
| | - Pauline Slade
- Clinical Psychology/Consultant Clinical Psychologist, University of Liverpool
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Abstract
AbstractBackgroundCompassion and compassionate care are central to radiographers’ professional policy and practice and are congruent with the core values of the National Health Service Constitution. The term compassion however is over-used, ambiguous and vague. This work sought to explore and provide contextual understanding to the term compassion in healthcare.MethodWalker and Avant’s eight-step model was used as the framework for the concept analysis. Data collection utilised a number of resources including online databases: Medline, CINAHL complete, Scopus, PubMed, PsycINFO, ScienceDirect, Cochrane and DARE; dictionaries, social media, Internet sources, books and doctoral theses. In all, 296 resources were included in the review.ResultsThe concept analysis distinguishes the defining characteristics of compassion within a healthcare context, allowing for associated meanings and behaviours to be outlined aiding understanding of compassion. Compassion in healthcare requires five defining attributes to be present: recognition, connection, altruistic desire, humanistic response and action.ConclusionThe findings identify the complexity of the term and subjective nature in which it is displayed and in turn perceived. The concept analysis forms the basis of further research aiming to develop a healthcare explicit definition of compassion within healthcare, specifically cancer care and radiography practices. Lucidity will enhance understanding, facilitating active engagement and implementation into practice.
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Priddis HS. Autoethnography and severe perineal trauma--an unexpected journey from disembodiment to embodiment. BMC Womens Health 2015; 15:88. [PMID: 26490564 PMCID: PMC4618600 DOI: 10.1186/s12905-015-0249-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2014] [Accepted: 10/08/2015] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is a lack of research reporting on the physical and emotional experiences of women who sustain severe perineal trauma (third and fourth degree tears). When the researcher identifies with the group being researched, autoethnography can allow an insight into the experiences of the marginalised group through the telling of a personal story. The aim of this paper is to share the journey travelled by an autoethnographer who on examining the issue of severe perineal trauma came to understand the challenges and rewards she experienced through this reflective and analytic process. METHODS A transformative emancipatory approach guided the design, data collection and analysis of findings from this study. For this paper, a multivocal narrative approach was taken in presenting the findings, which incorporated the words of both the autoethnographer and the twelve women who were interviewed as a component of the study, all of whom had sustained severe perineal trauma. RESULTS As an autoethnographer, being a member of the group being researched, can be confronting as the necessary reflection upon one's personal journey may lead to feelings of vulnerability, sadness, and emotional pain. The transformation from disembodied to embodied self, resulted in a physical and emotional breakdown that occurred for this autoethnographer. CONCLUSION Autoethnographers may experience unexpected emotional and physical challenges as they reflect upon their experiences and research the experiences of others. When incorporating a transformative emancipatory framework, the hardships are somewhat balanced by the rewards of witnessing 'self-transformation' as a result of the research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Holly S Priddis
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, College of Health and Science, University of Western Sydney, Building EB, Parramatta Campus, Locked Bag 1797, Penrith South, DC NSW, 2751, Australia.
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Dahlen HG, Priddis H, Thornton C. Severe perineal trauma is rising, but let us not overreact. Midwifery 2015; 31:1-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.midw.2014.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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