The case for developing an online intervention to support midwives in work-related psychological distress

Background: Midwives experience episodes of work-related psychological distress owing to the emotionally difficult and traumatic work environments they endure. There is a need to develop interventions to effectively support midwives, as the wellbeing of midwives can be directly correlated with the quality and safety of maternity care. Aims: This project aims to make the case for the development of an online support intervention, designed to effectively support midwives in distress. Methods: Literature reviews were conducted, and midwives and other subject experts were recruited to participate in a Delphi study via a research blog. Findings: Following literature reviews and a structured consultation with 66 participants, it was found that the development of an online intervention designed to support midwives with work-related psychological distress should prioritise confidentiality and anonymity, along with 24-hour mobile access and a range of other components. Conclusions: This research makes the case for the development of an online intervention designed to support midwives in work-related psychological distress. The author invites all midwives to support and follow ongoing research in this area via The Academic Midwife page on Facebook. </jats:sec

Securing the evidence and theory-based design of an online intervention designed to support midwives in work-related psychological distress

The psychological wellbeing of midwives can be linked to the safety and quality of maternity care. As such, work-related psychological distress in midwifery populations must be addressed in order to meet the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals for maternal health. Earlier research maps out a global vision, using telemedicine and e/mHealth for the design and development of an online intervention designed to support midwives in work-related psychological distress. This paper outlines how the evidence and theory-based design of such an intervention has been secured via a narrative review, a critical realist review, a 2-round Delphi study and a mixed-methods systematic review of the literature. Findings suggest that this online intervention should be designed to provide anonymity and confidentiality for midwives seeking support online. 24-hour mobile access, effective moderation, an online discussion forum, and additional legal, educational, and therapeutic components are also indicated for collation in a ‘One stop shop’ online. Additionally, a simple user assessment may be used to identify those people deemed to be at risk of causing harm. The comprehensive design for this particular intervention is outlined using a validated checklist and guide. This particular design has been informed by the pathways disclosure model and the revised transactional model of occupational stress and coping. This research has been guided by the Medical Research Council’s framework for developing complex interventions. Future research in this field is also suggested. Should this intervention be developed and tested more widely, both midwives and maternity service users may experience safer, more productive and higher-quality maternity care

Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome during Pregnancy, Birth and Beyond: A Review of Midwifery Care Considerations

The Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes (EDS) are an underdiagnosed group of conditions with implications and risks associated with childbearing. Those with EDS suggest that healthcare professionals have a lack of awareness in this area, and consequently describe delays in access to appropriate healthcare services. This paper draws on the existing international evidence available to present evidence-based care considerations for childbearing women with hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (hEDS) throughout the antenatal, intrapartum and postnatal periods. Care considerations are also offered in relation to the care of the newborn infant. The management of hEDS in childbearing women and babies can be complex. Findings point to the need for a multidisciplinary approach to formulating individualised care plans in partnership with women. In understanding the evidence in relation to this issue, midwives will be better able to practice evidence-based and woman-centred care

Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome during Pregnancy, Birth and Beyond: A Review of Midwifery Care Considerations

Досліджено вплив умов поліморфного перетворення заліза ( 0,06 %С) на його деформацію в атмосфері водню. Проаналізовано можливі механізми формозміни при динамічній надпластичност

Storytelling in Pregnancy and Childbirth: An Integrative Review of the Literature

Background and Objectives. Storytelling is a common and popular way of conveying events, culture, ideas, and information. Stories have been used in various sciences to convey a particular concept that is influenced by the culture of individuals. Storytelling about childbirth may be useful to women in a number of ways. The objective of this review was to synthesize existing literature in relation to storytelling in the context of childbirth to inform future childbirth education programmes, interventions, and research. Methods. An integrative review of the literature was conducted, including peer-reviewed articles published between 2001 and 2022. The following databases were used to search for relevant studies: PubMed, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Web of Science, Ovid, Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, Cochrane Library, Magiran, Irandoc, and SID. A process of thematic synthesis was used to make sense of the data extracted. Results. Whilst 21 studies were retrieved, only 12 were relevant and thus met the inclusion criteria set. Two themes were identified from our thematic synthesis: (1) effects of childbirth storytelling on the storyteller and (2) effects of childbirth storytelling on the listener of the story. Subthemes included “reducing fear of childbirth,” “transferring information and raising awareness in line with community culture,” and “adjusting expectations.” Conclusion. The use of storytelling can be used as an effective method in educational interventions during pregnancy and childbirth. Due to limited high-quality intervention studies in this field, future studies could usefully be more robustly designed and incorporate digital storytelling methods to inform future directions