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Humanisation in pregnancy and childbirth - providing individualised care to high risk women in the intrapartum period
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Date
2024
Authors
Curtin, Mary
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University College Cork
Published Version
Abstract
Aim:
The aim of the study is to explore how midwives and obstetricians provide individualised care to women classified as high risk in labour and birth.
Background:
Research has shown the benefits of care that is individualised to women’s own specific needs but require HCPs to support the wishes for their care. However, there is a dearth of evidence related to how women who are classified as high risk can attain individualised care in labour and birth.
Methods:
Using an interpretive descriptive approach, participants (n=12) were recruited using purposive sampling. Twelve participants comprising 8 midwives, 3 consultant obstetricians and one NCHD took part in semi-structured interviews. Data analysis was conducted concurrently using a constant comparative method.
Results:
Two axial codes were developed: ‘The needs of the individual Vs The needs of the many’ and ‘The hats worn by the healthcare professional’. The selective code that encompassed both axial codes was synthesised and as ‘Intrapartum positionality – humanising high risk birth’.
Conclusion:
Intrapartum positionality influences midwives and obstetricians’ willingness to facilitate individualised care requests for high risk women in labour and suggests that clinical variation in decision making may be more than a philosophical alignment to professional groups only. HCPs personal understanding and tolerance of risk and uncertainty in the intrapartum period will also contribute to clinical decision making. HCPs are continually balancing the needs of the woman against the institutional governance for the needs of multiple women. If the preferences of the woman and the institution are not aligned, HCPs must make a choice between supporting the processes of the institution or the wishes of the woman.
Description
Keywords
Humanisation , Birth , Intrapartum , High risk , Pregnancy , Childbirth , Individualised care
Citation
Curtin, M. 2024. Humanisation in pregnancy and childbirth - providing individualised care to high risk women in the intrapartum period. PhD Thesis, University College Cork.