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Gordon J, Hunter A, Callanan F, Kiely C, Grealish A. An Integrative Review Exploring Womens' Experiences of Retraumatization Within Perinatal Services. J Midwifery Womens Health 2024. [PMID: 39036988 DOI: 10.1111/jmwh.13662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Revised: 06/04/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Evidence indicates that retraumatization has a detrimental effect for those women who are accessing perinatal services. One in five women worldwide has a history of childhood adversity. Between 18% and 34% of women experience trauma, which is a well-known risk factor for the onset of chronic mental health disorders. There is a lack of evidence on women's experiences on retraumatization in perinatal care settings and how to prevent retraumatization from occurring. The purpose of this study was to conduct an integrative review on women experiences of retraumatization to determine preventive measures within perinatal services. METHODS This integrative review followed Whittemore and Knafl's 5-stage framework as it allows for the inclusion and integration of diverse research methodologies into an overall synthesis of the evidence. A systematic search of 5 databases was conducted (Web of Science, MEDLINE, CINAHL, ASSIA, and PsychINFO) with no date, language, or geographical limits set due to the paucity of research published in this subject area. This review was conducted and reported according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. RESULTS Fifteen studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in the thematic synthesis. The review identified that participants across the studies had a history of child sexual abuse, sexual abuse, and rape. Three main themes plus subthemes were identified: (1) activating (subthemes: positions in labor, intimate procedures, communications with health care professionals, loss of control); (2) outcomes (subtheme: emotional responses); and (3) interventions reducing or preventing retraumatization (subthemes: role of the health care professional, screening for abuse and history of trauma). DISCUSSION Our findings demonstrate that women are experiencing retraumatization in perinatal services, and there is evidence of formalized approaches being applied in clinical settings to prevent retraumatization from occurring. This study is the first to examine the factors that contribute to retraumatization in perinatal services and make recommendations to reduce the harmful practices in place in perinatal care settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Gordon
- Department of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
| | - Andrew Hunter
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - Fiona Callanan
- Department of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
- University Maternity Hospital Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
| | - Clare Kiely
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - Annmarie Grealish
- Department of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
- Florence Nightingale Faculty of Nursing, Midwifery & Palliative Care, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
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De Backer K, Pali A, Challacombe FL, Hildersley R, Newburn M, Silverio SA, Sandall J, Howard LM, Easter A. Women's experiences of attempted suicide in the perinatal period (ASPEN-study) - a qualitative study. BMC Psychiatry 2024; 24:255. [PMID: 38570802 PMCID: PMC10988966 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-024-05686-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Suicide is a leading cause of maternal death during pregnancy and the year after birth (the perinatal period). While maternal suicide is a relatively rare event with a prevalence of 3.84 per 100,000 live births in the UK [1], the impact of maternal suicide is profound and long-lasting. Many more women will attempt suicide during the perinatal period, with a worldwide estimated prevalence of 680 per 100,000 in pregnancy and 210 per 100,000 in the year after birth [2]. Qualitative research into perinatal suicide attempts is crucial to understand the experiences, motives and the circumstances surrounding these events, but this has largely been unexplored. AIM Our study aimed to explore the experiences of women and birthing people who had a perinatal suicide attempt and to understand the context and contributing factors surrounding their perinatal suicide attempt. METHODS Through iterative feedback from a group of women with lived experience of perinatal mental illness and relevant stakeholders, a qualitative study design was developed. We recruited women and birthing people (N = 11) in the UK who self-reported as having undertaken a suicide attempt. Interviews were conducted virtually, recorded and transcribed. Using NVivo software, a critical realist approach to Thematic Analysis was followed, and themes were developed. RESULTS Three key themes were identified that contributed to the perinatal suicide attempt. The first theme 'Trauma and Adversities' captures the traumatic events and life adversities with which participants started their pregnancy journeys. The second theme, 'Disillusionment with Motherhood' brings together a range of sub-themes highlighting various challenges related to pregnancy, birth and motherhood resulting in a decline in women's mental health. The third theme, 'Entrapment and Despair', presents a range of factors that leads to a significant deterioration of women's mental health, marked by feelings of failure, hopelessness and losing control. CONCLUSIONS Feelings of entrapment and despair in women who are struggling with motherhood, alongside a background of traumatic events and life adversities may indicate warning signs of a perinatal suicide. Meaningful enquiry around these factors could lead to timely detection, thus improving care and potentially prevent future maternal suicides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaat De Backer
- Department of Women & Children's Health, School of Life Course and Population Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine, King's College London, 10th Floor North Wing, St. Thomas' Hospital, Westminster Bridge Road, Lambeth, London, SE1 7EH, UK
| | - Alexandra Pali
- Department of Women & Children's Health, School of Life Course and Population Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine, King's College London, 10th Floor North Wing, St. Thomas' Hospital, Westminster Bridge Road, Lambeth, London, SE1 7EH, UK
- Department of Clinical Psychological Science, Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Fiona L Challacombe
- Section of Women's Mental Health, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience, King's College London, Denmark Hill, 16 De Crespigny Park, London, SE5 8AF, England
| | - Rosanna Hildersley
- Section of Women's Mental Health, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience, King's College London, Denmark Hill, 16 De Crespigny Park, London, SE5 8AF, England
| | - Mary Newburn
- Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement Lead for ARC South London, Maternity and Perinatal Mental health theme, Department of Women & Children's Health, School of Life Sciences and Medicine, King's College London, 10th Floor North Wing, St. Thomas' Hospital, Westminster Bridge Road, Lambeth, London, SE1 7EH, UK
| | - Sergio A Silverio
- Department of Women & Children's Health, School of Life Course & Population Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine, King's College London, 6th Floor Addison House, Great Maze Pond, Southwark, London, SE1 1UK, UK
- School of Psychology, Faculty of Health, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, Merseyside, L3 3AF, UK
| | - Jane Sandall
- Department of Women & Children's Health, School of Life Course and Population Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine, King's College London, 10th Floor North Wing, St. Thomas' Hospital, Westminster Bridge Road, Lambeth, London, SE1 7EH, UK
| | - Louise M Howard
- Section of Women's Mental Health, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience, King's College London, Denmark Hill, 16 De Crespigny Park, London, SE5 8AF, England
| | - Abigail Easter
- Department of Women & Children's Health, School of Life Course and Population Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine, King's College London, 10th Floor North Wing, St. Thomas' Hospital, Westminster Bridge Road, Lambeth, London, SE1 7EH, UK.
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Benton M, Wittkowski A, Edge D, Reid HE, Quigley T, Sheikh Z, Smith DM. Best practice recommendations for the integration of trauma-informed approaches in maternal mental health care within the context of perinatal trauma and loss: A systematic review of current guidance. Midwifery 2024; 131:103949. [PMID: 38382415 DOI: 10.1016/j.midw.2024.103949] [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: 04/03/2023] [Revised: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE The National Health Service (NHS) in England plans to increase accessibility to evidence-based, trauma-informed psychological care for women in the perinatal period. Therefore, this systematic review aimed to 1) synthesise current guidance from clinical guidelines, policy documents, and care standards on trauma-informed approaches to care in maternal mental health settings within the context of pregnancy-related trauma and 2) to offer recommendations informing the implementation and evaluation of this type of care. METHODS Nine electronic databases were searched and screened. Data were extracted and analysed using narrative synthesis. Included records were quality-assessed. RESULTS After screening 1095 identified records, 11 records were included. The findings were synthesised into eight recommendations: 1) screening for trauma, 2) access to care, 3) clear and sensitive communication, 4) consistency and continuity of care, 5) offering individualised care whilst recognising diversity, 6) collaboration between women, families, and services, 7) care provider training to enhance skills and knowledge, and 8) supervision and peer support for care providers. CONCLUSIONS The findings of this review are highly relevant given the current development, delivery, and evaluation of specific maternal mental health services, particularly in the United Kingdom, but also with the increase in perinatal mental health provision more globally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madeleine Benton
- Division of Psychology and Mental Health, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Anja Wittkowski
- Division of Psychology and Mental Health, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK; Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, Manchester, UK; Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - Dawn Edge
- Division of Psychology and Mental Health, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK; Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, Manchester, UK; Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - Holly E Reid
- Division of Psychology and Mental Health, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK; Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, Manchester, UK
| | - Terri Quigley
- The Cheshire and Mersey Specialist Perinatal Service, NHS, UK
| | - Zoyah Sheikh
- Division of Psychology and Mental Health, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK; Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, Manchester, UK
| | - Debbie M Smith
- Division of Psychology and Mental Health, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK; Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, Manchester, UK.
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Estrada-Darley I, Chen P, McBain R, Alvarado G, Engel C, Malika N, Kim D, Machtinger E, McCaw B, Thyne S, Thompson N, Shekarchi A, Lightfoot M, Kuo A, Benedict D, Gantz L, Perry R, Yap N, Eberhart N. Patient and Caregiver Perspectives on Implementation of ACE Screening in Pediatric Care Settings: A Qualitative Evaluation. J Pediatr Health Care 2023; 37:616-625. [PMID: 37589629 DOI: 10.1016/j.pedhc.2023.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2023] [Revised: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 06/22/2023] [Indexed: 08/18/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION This qualitative research study explored the perspectives of adolescents, 12 to 19-years-old, and caregivers of children under 12-years-old on the acceptibility of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) screenings in five pediatric clinics. METHOD A constructivist grounded theory approach was utilized. One-on-one semistructured phone interviews were conducted with 44 adolescents and 95 caregivers of children less than 12 years old. Interviews were analyzed using thematic analysis. RESULTS Most participants reported feeling comfortable discussing ACEs with their providers. Some reported that screening helped build trust. Others expressed privacy concerns and did not receive information about the reason for screening. Adolescent patients shared conflicting feelings-of both comfort and discomfort. Caregivers attending to multiple children, foster parents, and monolingual Spanish speakers disclosed unique challenges to ACEs screening. We found no evidence of lasting adverse effects. DISCUSSION Participants generally found ACEs screenings acceptable. Some adolescents identified benefits from the experience. However, clinics planning to adopt routine ACEs screening should ensure clear messaging on why screening is occurring, anticipate and address privacy concerns, and adopt workflows to discuss screening results.
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