Percepção sobre o cuidado à perda gestacional: estudo qualitativo com casais brasileiros / Perceptions on pregnancy loss care: a qualitative study with brazilian couples / Percepción sobre la atención a la pérdida del embarazo: estudio cualitativo con parejas brasileñas

Este artigo analisou a percepção e os sentimentos de casais sobre o atendimento recebido nos serviços de saúde acessados em função de perda gestacional (óbito fetal ante e intraparto). O convite para a pesquisa foi divulgado em mídias sociais (Instagram e Facebook). Dos 66 casais que contataram a equipe, 12 participaram do estudo, cuja coleta de dados ocorreu em 2018. Os casais responderam conjuntamente a uma ficha de dados sociodemográficos e uma entrevista semiestruturada, realizada presencialmente (n=4) ou por videochamada (n=8). Os dados foram gravados em áudio e posteriormente transcritos. A Análise Temática indutiva das entrevistas identificou cinco temas: sentimento de impotência, iatrogenia vivida nos serviços, falta de cuidado em saúde mental, não reconhecimento da perda como evento com consequências emocionais negativas, e características do bom atendimento. Os achados demonstraram situações de violência, comunicação deficitária, desvalorização das perdas precoces, falta de suporte para contato com o bebê falecido e rotinas pouco humanizadas, especialmente durante a internação após a perda. Para aprimorar a assistência às famílias enlutadas, sugere-se qualificação profissional, ampliação da visibilidade do tema entre diferentes atores e reorganização dos serviços, considerando uma diretriz clínica para atenção ao luto perinatal, com destaque para o fortalecimento da inserção de equipes de saúde mental no contexto hospitalar.(AU)

This study analyzed couples' perceptions and feelings about pregnancy loss care (ante and intrapartum fetal death). A research invitation was published on social media (Instagram and Facebook) and data collection took place in 2018. Of the 66 couples who contacted the research team, 12 participated in the study by filling a sociodemographic questionnaire and answering a semi-structured interview in person (n=04) or by video call (n=08). All interviews were audio recorded, transcribed, and examined by Inductive Thematic Analysis, which identified five themes: feelings of impotence, iatrogenic experiences in health services, lack of mental health care, not recognizing pregnancy loss as an emotionally overwhelming event, and aspects of good healthcare. Analysis showed experiences of violence, poor communication, devaluation of early losses, lack of support for contact with the deceased baby, and dehumanizing routines, especially during hospitalization after loss. Professional qualification, extended pregnancy loss visibility among different stakeholders, and reorganization of health services are needed to improve the care offered to grieving families, considering a clinical guideline for perinatal grief care with emphasis on strengthening the insertion of mental health teams in the hospital context.(AU)

Este estudio analizó las percepciones y sentimientos de parejas sobre la atención recibida en los servicios de salud a los que accedieron debido a la pérdida del embarazo (muerte fetal ante e intraparto). La invitación al estudio se publicó en las redes sociales (Instagram y Facebook). De las 66 parejas que se contactaron con el equipo, 12 participaron en el estudio, cuya recolección de datos se realizó en 2018. Las parejas respondieron un formulario de datos sociodemográficos y realizaron una entrevista semiestructurada presencialmente (n=4) o por videollamada (n=08). Los datos se grabaron en audio para su posterior transcripción. El análisis temático inductivo identificó cinco temas: Sentimiento de impotencia, experiencias iatrogénicas en los servicios, falta de atención a la salud mental, falta de reconocimiento de la pérdida como un evento con consecuencias emocionales negativas y características de buena atención. Los hallazgos evidenciaron situaciones de violencia, comunicación deficiente, desvalorización de las pérdidas tempranas, falta de apoyo para el contacto con el bebé fallecido y rutinas poco humanizadas, especialmente durante la hospitalización tras la pérdida. Para mejorar la atención a las familias en duelo, se sugiere capacitación profesional, ampliación de la visibilidad del tema entre los diferentes actores y reorganización de los servicios, teniendo en cuenta una guía clínica para la atención del duelo perinatal, enfocada en fortalecer la inserción de los equipos de salud mental en el contexto hospitalario.(AU)

Experiences of maternity care among women at increased risk of preterm birth receiving midwifery continuity of care compared to women receiving standard care: Results from the POPPIE pilot trial.

BACKGROUND: Midwifery continuity of care models for women at low and mixed risk of complications have been shown to improve women's experiences of care. However, there is limited research on care experiences among women at increased risk of preterm birth. We aimed to explore the experiences of care among women with risk factors for preterm birth participating in a pilot trial (POPPIE) of a midwifery continuity of care model which included a specialist obstetric clinic. METHODS: A total of 334 pregnant women identified at increased risk of preterm birth were randomly allocated to either midwifery continuity of care (POPPIE group) or standard maternity care. Women in both groups were followed up at six-to-eight weeks postpartum and were invited to complete a postnatal survey either online or by post. An equal status exploratory sequential mixed method design was chosen to collect and analyse the quantitative postnatal survey data and qualitative interviews data. The postnatal survey included measures of social support, trust, perceptions of safety, quality of care, control during childbirth, bonding and quality of life. Categorical data were analysed with chi-squared tests and continuous data were analysed with t-tests and/or Mann-Whitney U test to measure differences in measures scores among groups. The qualitative interview data were subjected to a thematic framework analysis. Data triangulation brought quantitative and qualitative data together at the interpretation stage. FINDINGS: A total of 166 women completed the survey and 30 women were interviewed (90 and 16 in POPPIE group; 76 and 14 in standard group). We found survey respondents in the POPPIE group, compared to respondents in the standard group, were significantly more likely to report greater trust in midwives (Mann-Whitney U, p<0.0001), greater perceptions of safety during the antenatal care (t-test, p = 0.0138), have a particular midwife to contact when they needed during their pregnancy (t-test, p<0.0001) and the postnatal period (chi-squared, p<0.0001). They reported increased involvement in decisions regarding antenatal, intrapartum and postnatal care (t-test, p = 0.002; p = 0.008; p = 0.006 respectively); and greater postnatal support and advice about: feeding the baby (chi-squared, p<0.0001), handling, settling and looking after the baby (chi-squared, p<0.0001), baby's health and progress (chi-squared, p = 0.039), their own health and recovery (chi-squared, p = 0.006) and who to contact about any emotional changes (chi-squared, p = 0.005). There were no significant differences between groups in the reporting of perceptions of safety during birth and the postnatal period, concerns raised during labour and birth taken seriously, being left alone during childbirth at a time of worries, control during labour, bonding, social support, and physical and mental health related quality of life after birth. Results from qualitative interviews provided insight and depth into many of these findings, with women in the POPPIE group reporting more positive experiences of bonding towards their babies and more positive physical health postnatally. CONCLUSIONS: Compared with standard maternity care, women at increased risk of PTB who received midwifery continuity of care were more likely to report increased perceptions of trust, safety and quality of care. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ISRCTN (Number: 37733900); UK CRN (ID: 31951).

The paradoxes of communication and collaboration in maternity care: A video-reflexivity study with professionals and parents.

BACKGROUND: Research on maternity care often focuses on factors that prevent good communication and collaboration and rarely includes important stakeholders - parents - as co-researchers. To understand how professionals and parents in Dutch maternity care accomplish constructive communication and collaboration, we examined their interactions in the clinic, looking for "good practice". METHODS: We used the video-reflexive ethnographic method in 9 midwifery practices and 2 obstetric units. FINDINGS: We conducted 16 meetings where participants reflected on video recordings of their clinical interactions. We found that informal strategies facilitate communication and collaboration: "talk work" - small talk and humour - and "work beyond words" - familiarity, use of sight, touch, sound, and non-verbal gestures. When using these strategies, participants noted that it is important to be sensitive to context, to the values and feelings of others, and to the timing of care. Our analysis of their ways of being sensitive shows that good communication and collaboration involves "paradoxical care", e.g., concurrent acts of "regulated spontaneity" and "informal formalities". DISCUSSION: Acknowledging and reinforcing paradoxical care skills will help caregivers develop the competencies needed to address the changing demands of health care. The video-reflexive ethnographic method offers an innovative approach to studying everyday work, focusing on informal and implicit aspects of practice and providing a bottom up approach, integrating researchers, professionals and parents. CONCLUSION: Good communication and collaboration in maternity care involves "paradoxical care" requiring social sensitivity and self-reflection, skills that should be included as part of professional training.

Implementing Patient-Centered Trauma-Informed Care for the Perinatal Nurse.

Adverse childhood experiences and trauma significantly impact physical and mental health. Increased maternal perinatal depression/anxiety, preterm labor, and low birth weight, as well as infant morbidity and mortality, are some examples of the impact of trauma on perinatal health. Trauma-informed care begins with knowledge about trauma, the ability to recognize signs of a trauma response, responding to patients effectively, and resisting retraumatization. As holistic providers, perinatal nurses can create safe care environments, establish collaborative patient relationships based on trust, demonstrate compassion, offer patients options when possible to support patient autonomy, and provide resources for trauma survivors. This can prevent or reduce the negative impact of trauma and improve the health and well-being of infants, mothers, and future generations. This clinical article outlines key strategies for implementation of patient-centered trauma-informed perinatal nursing care.

The relationship between posttraumatic stress symptoms of maternity professionals and quality of work life, cognitive status, and traumatic perinatal experiences.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between posttraumatic stress symptoms of maternity nursing/midwife and their quality of work life, cognitive distortions, and traumatic perinatal experiences. METHODS: A descriptive, cross-sectional survey design was used. Two hundred and sixty-six maternity nurses/midwives employed in maternity units of hospitals in a province located in the Central Anatolia Region of Turkey were included in the study. RESULTS: 37.2% of the maternity nurses/midwives met the criteria for posttraumatic stress disorder (% 95 CI [31.6, 43.2]). Previous birth-related traumatic experiences, transferring to another unit, and negative cognitions about the self-increase the risk of development of posttraumatic stress disorder by 63% (F = 7.638, P < 0.001). A positive correlation was found between the outcome variable PTS total score and the following predictors: the number of years in the profession, the number of traumatizing events, quality of work life, burnout symptoms, compassion fatigue, posttraumatic cognition, negative cognition about the world, and negative cognition about the self. It was found that those maternity nurses/midwives who were not happy with their profession, who witnessed a traumatic incident, who transferred to another unit, who considered to quit the profession, who had a history of a psychological disorder, and those lacked social life were more sensitive to posttraumatic stress symptoms. CONCLUSION: These outcomes have significant consequences for both personal and professional well-being of the maternity nurses/midwives and the welfare of the workforce. To prepare maternity nurses/midwives for such exposures, to support maternity nurses/midwives following traumatic perinatal events, and to provide effective intervention for those with significant symptoms, organizational strategies are necessary.

A expectativa do casal sobre o plano de parto / The couple's expectations for the birth plan / La expectativa de la pareja sobre el plan de parto

Enquadramento: O plano de parto (PP) é um processo reflexivo e de tomada de decisão do casal grávido, exposto num documento escrito, promovendo uma melhor comunicação com os profissionais de saúde e a autonomia das mulheres. Objetivo: O presente estudo, inserido numa investigação mais vasta, teve como objetivo descrever a expectativa do casal sobre o PP. Metodologia: Estudo qualitativo, tipo exploratório-descritivo. Os participantes foram 10 casais que frequentaram o programa de preparação para o parto de uma maternidade do centro de Portugal. O instrumento de recolha de dados foi a entrevista semiestruturada e a análise dos dados, realizada com o método de análise de conteúdo de Bardin e com o software NVivo10. Resultados: Metade dos participantes não conheciam o conceito de PP, mas reconhecem a importância da discussão das suas preferências com um Enfermeiro Especialista em Saúde Materna e Obstétrica para uma experiência de parto positiva. Conclusão: Este estudo pode permitir a inovação e melhoria na assistência segura à mulher/casal, respondendo eficazmente às suas expectativas e necessidades.

Background: The birth plan (BP) is a reflexive and decision-making process of the expectant couple, exposed in a written document, allowing a better communication with health professionals and the women's autonomy. Objective: The present study, inserted in a larger investigation, aimed to describe the couple's expectation about BP. Methodology: A qualitative, exploratory-descriptive study. Participants were 10 couples who attended the Parenthood and Birth Preparation Program at a maternity in central Portugal. The data collection instrument was the semi-structured interview and data analysis performed using the Bardin content analysis method and the NVivo10 software. Results: Half of the participants did not know the concept of the Birth Plan, but recognize the importance of discussing their preferences with a midwife for a positive childbirth experience. Conclusion: This study allows innovation and improvement in safe care for women/ couples, in order to respond to their expectations and needs.

Marco contextual: El plan de parto (PP) es un proceso reflexivo y de toma de decisiones para la pareja embarazada, establecido en un documento escrito, que promueve una mejor comunicación con los profesionales de la salud y la autonomía de la mujer. Objetivo: Este estudio, incluido en una investigación más amplia, tuvo como objetivo describir las expectativas de la pareja sobre el PP. Metodología: Estudio cualitativo, de tipo exploratorio-descriptivo. Los participantes fueron 10 parejas que asistieron al programa de preparación al parto de un servicio de maternidad en el centro de Portugal. El instrumento de recogida de datos fue la entrevista semiestructurada y el análisis de datos se realizó con el método de análisis de contenido de Bardin y con el software NVivo10. Resultados: La mitad de los participantes no estaban familiarizados con el concepto de PP, pero reconocieron la importancia de discutir sus preferencias con una matrona para tener una experiencia positiva en el parto. Conclusión: Este estudio puede permitir innovar y mejorar la atención segura a las mujeres/parejas, al responder eficazmente a sus expectativas y necesidades.

Weight management across pregnancy and postpartum care: The need for interprofessional education and collaboration.

The journey from pregnancy to caring for a new infant is a significant experience for many women and crucial period for obesity prevention. During this time, a large portion of care is allocated to midwives and maternal and child health nurses (MCHN). These professions have the potential to play a crucial role in supporting women with weight management across pregnancy and postpartum; however, both midwives and MCHNs report barriers to doing this. Upskilling achieved through midwifery and MCHN education that equips midwives and MCHNs with the skills and knowledge to provide evidence-based advice for weight management could assist in addressing some of these barriers. Interprofessional collaboration should be fostered so healthy lifestyle messages and support are reinforced consistently by midwives and MCHNs throughout pregnancy and postpartum.

Investigating pathways linking women's status and empowerment to skilled attendance at birth in Tanzania: A structural equation modeling approach.

Maternal and newborn mortality remain unacceptably high in sub-Saharan Africa where use of a skilled birth attendant (SBA) at delivery has remained low. Despite the recognized importance of women's empowerment as a key determinant of maternal and newborn health, evidence from sub-Saharan Africa is more limited. Using data from the 2010 Tanzania Demographic and Health Survey (n = 4,340), this study employs a robust method-structural equation modeling (SEM)-to investigate the complex and multidimensional pathways through which women's empowerment affects SBA use. The results show that women's education and household decision-making are positively associated with SBA use. However, not all empowerment dimensions have similar effects. Attitudes towards sex negotiation and violence as well as early marriage are not significant factors in Tanzania. Mediation analysis also confirms the indirect effect of education on SBA use only through household decision-making. The findings underscore the utility of structural equation modeling when examining complex and multidimensional constructs, such as empowerment, and demonstrate potential causal inference to better inform policy and programmatic recommendations.

Experience of professional autonomy in the assistance to home birth by obstetric nurses / Experiência da autonomia profissional na assistência ao parto domiciliar por enfermeiras obstétricas / Experiencia de autonomía profesional en la asistencia al parto en casa por las enfermeras obstétricas

Objetivo identificar a experiência da autonomia na assistência ao parto domiciliar por Enfermeiras Obstétricas. Método estudo descritivo de abordagem qualitativa. Os dados foram coletados por meio de entrevista semiestruturada aplicada às profissionais que atuavam em equipes de parto domiciliar. Para análise de dados utilizou-se a análise de conteúdo de Bardin. Resultados a experiência do exercício da autonomia é ampla no ambiente domiciliar, principalmente pela presença do modelo biomédico ainda enraizado no ambiente hospitalar e que limita a atuação da Enfermeira Obstétrica. Conclusão o respaldo legal, o conhecimento científico e os materiais/tecnologias dão suporte às Enfermeiras Obstétricas para exercer sua autonomia no parto domiciliar.

Objetivo identificar las experiencias de autonomía en la asistencia al parto en casa por las Enfermeras Obstétricas. Método estudio descriptivo de enfoque cualitativo. Los datos fueron recolectados a través de una entrevista semi-estructurada aplicada a los profesionales que trabajan en equipos de parto en casa. Para el análisis de los datos, se utilizó el análisis de contenido de Bardin. Resultados la experiencia del ejercicio de la autonomía es amplia en el ambiente domiciliario, principalmente por la presencia del modelo biomédico que sigue arraigado en el medio hospitalario y que limita el desempeño de la Enfermera Obstétrica. Conclusión el apoyo legal, el conocimiento científico y materiales/tecnologías apoyan a las Enfermeras Obstétricas ejerzan su autonomía en el hogar del nacimiento.

Objective to identify the experience of autonomy in the assistance to home birth by Obstetric Nurses. Method descriptive study of qualitative approach. Data were collected through a semi-structured interview applied to professionals who worked in teams of home birth. Data analysis used the content analysis of Bardin. Results the experience of the exercise of autonomy is broad in the home environment, mainly by the presence of the biomedical model still rooted in the hospital environment and that limits the performance of the Obstetric Nurse. Conclusion the legal support, scientific knowledge and materials/technologies support Obstetric Nurses to exercise their autonomy in the home birth.

First week of integral health for the newborn: nursing actions of the Family Health Strategy. / Primeira semana saúde integral do recém-nascido: ações de enfermeiros da Estratégia Saúde da Família.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the nurses' actions of the Family Health Strategy about the First Week for Integral Health regarding the care devoted to the newborn. METHOD: It is a descriptive, exploratory research with qualitative approach carried out from October 2014 to February 2015, through a semi-structured interview, with nine nurses from the Family Health Strategy of João Pessoa-PB. Data were submitted to thematic analysis. RESULTS: The actions identified at the first visit to the newborn child are based on maternal guidance on basic newborn care, breastfeeding, neonatal screening, immunization and childcare, as well as evaluation of the puerperal, but it was sometimes performed outside the period recommended and with incomplete and outdated guidelines. CONCLUSION: Although there are potentialities in nurses' actions to this population, the fragilities compromise the care of the newborn and the puerperium, and it is necessary to sensitize these professionals about the importance and effectiveness of First Week for Integral Health.

Primeira semana saúde integral do recém-nascido: ações de enfermeiros da Estratégia Saúde da Família / Primera semana salud integral del recién-nacido: acciones de enfermeros de la Estrategia Salud de la Familia / First week of integral health for the newborn: nursing actions of the Family Health Strategy

Resumo OBJETIVO Descrever as ações de enfermeiros da Estratégia Saúde da Família acerca da Primeira Semana Saúde Integral no cuidado ao recém-nascido. MÉTODO Pesquisa descritiva, exploratória com abordagem qualitativa realizada de outubro de 2014 a fevereiro de 2015, por meio de entrevista semiestruturada, com nove enfermeiros da Estratégia Saúde da Família de João Pessoa-PB. Os dados foram submetidos à análise temática. RESULTADOS As ações identificadas na primeira visita ao bebê se baseiam nas orientações maternas acerca dos cuidados básicos ao recém-nascido, aleitamento materno, testes de triagem neonatal, imunização e puericultura, bem como avaliação da puérpera, no entanto, por vezes eram realizadas fora do período recomendado e com orientações incompletas e desatualizadas. CONCLUSÃO Embora haja potencialidades nas ações dos enfermeiros prestadas a essa população, as fragilidades comprometem a assistência ao neonato e à puérpera, sendo necessário sensibilizar esses profissionais acerca da importância e eficácia da Primeira Semana Saúde Integral.

Resumen OBJETIVO Describir las acciones de enfermeros de la Estrategia Salud de la Familia acerca de la Primera Semana Salud Integral en la atención al recién-nacido. MÉTODO Investigación descriptiva, exploratoria con abordaje calitativo, realizada de octubre de 2014 hacia febrero de 2015, por medio de entrevista semiestructurada, con nueve enfermeros de la Estrategia Salud de la Familia de João Pessoa-PB. Los datos fueron sometidos al análisis temático. RESULTADOS Las acciones identificadas en la primera visita al bebé se basan en las orientaciones maternas sobre los cuidados básicos al recién nacido, la lactancia materna, las pruebas de selección neonatal, la inmunización y la puericultura, así como la evaluación de la puérpera, pero a veces se realizaban fuera del período recomendado y con directrices incompletas y obsoletas. CONCLUSIÓN Aunque hay potencialidades en las acciones de los enfermeros prestadas a esa población, las fragilidades comprometen la asistencia al neonato y a la puérpera, siendo necesario sensibilizar a esos profesionales acerca de la importancia y eficacia de la Primera Semana Salud Integral.

Abstract OBJECTIVE To describe the nurses' actions of the Family Health Strategy about the First Week for Integral Health regarding the care devoted to the newborn. METHOD It is a descriptive, exploratory research with qualitative approach carried out from October 2014 to February 2015, through a semi-structured interview, with nine nurses from the Family Health Strategy of João Pessoa-PB. Data were submitted to thematic analysis. RESULTS The actions identified at the first visit to the newborn child are based on maternal guidance on basic newborn care, breastfeeding, neonatal screening, immunization and childcare, as well as evaluation of the puerperal, but it was sometimes performed outside the period recommended and with incomplete and outdated guidelines. CONCLUSION Although there are potentialities in nurses' actions to this population, the fragilities compromise the care of the newborn and the puerperium, and it is necessary to sensitize these professionals about the importance and effectiveness of First Week for Integral Health.

Percepção de mulheres acerca da assistência de enfermagem no processo de parto normal / Perception of women about nursing care in the normal birth process / Percepción de mujeres acerca de la asistencia de enfermería en el proceso de parto normal

A assistência de enfermagem às mulheres no processo de parto normal caracteriza-se pela humanização ao parto e nascimento, de modo a respeitar o processo fisiológico do parto e valorizar aspectos naturais e próprios das mulheres. Este fato se distancia de condutas marcadas por intervenções desnecessárias e converge para o respeito à autonomia da mulher. Esta pesquisa tem como objetivo conhecer a percepção de mulheres acerca da assistência de enfermagem recebida durante o processo de parto normal. Trata-se de uma pesquisa descritiva, exploratória com abrangência qualitativa realizada com 13 mulheres maiores de 18 anos em duas maternidades públicas situadas no município de Salvador, Bahia. A coleta de dados ocorreu por meio de entrevista com uso de formulário entre os meses de junho de 2017 a abril de 2018, após a aprovação do Comitê de Ética e a assinatura do Termo de Consentimento Livre e Esclarecido. As entrevistas foram transcritas e as falas foram analisadas através da técnica de Análise Categorial Temática proposta por Bardin. As participantes foram caracterizadas quanto aos aspectos socioeconômicos. Em relação à escolaridade, 9 mulheres possuíam ensino médio completo. A renda individual entre todas variou de zero a R$2.500,00, e renda familiar de R$200,00 a R$6.000,00; 12 mulheres declaram-se pardas/negras; seis mulheres eram casadas. Em relação as características obstétricas o número de gestações variou de um a seis, e o número de partos de um a cinco. Em relação à experiência de abortamento, cinco mulheres declaram ter ao menos uma. Na análise, emergiram as seguintes categorias: Satisfação com a assistência de enfermagem com as subcategorias: Satisfação com atendimento recebido, Satisfação com a promoção bem-estar da mulher e Satisfação pela valorização da mulher no processo de parto. As demais categorias foram: Assistência permeada por relações verticais e intervenção técnica, Assistência permeada por sentimentos de abandono e Assistência permeada por insatisfação com a estrutura ofertada. Considera-se que essa pesquisa reconhece os benefícios das práticas assistenciais não intervencionistas no momento do processo de parto, bem como valorização e respeito à autonomia da mulher. Entretanto, foi identificada ainda a presença de relações verticais e centradas na técnica, que de alguma forma se apresentam prejudicam o protagonismo das mulheres no parto. Houve insatisfação com a estrutura física das instituições de saúde, que dificultaram a ambiência e a privacidade no parto. A peregrinação anteparto também foi identificada evidenciando fragilidade do acesso seguro da gestante à maternidade. Os achados desse estudo podem contribuir para auxiliar na tomada de decisões de gestores de unidades de saúde, bem como, contribuiu para os profissionais de saúde na escolha de estratégias de cuidado que possam atender as necessidades individuais de cada mulher.(AU)

Feasibility of a Relaxation Guided Imagery Intervention to Reduce Maternal Stress in the NICU.

OBJECTIVE: To test the feasibility of a relaxation guided imagery (RGI) intervention for mothers of hospitalized preterm infants and to explore the biobehavioral effects of RGI on their distress, responsiveness, and physiological stress. DESIGN: Single sample, pretest-posttest design. SETTING: A large Level III NICU in Southern California. PARTICIPANTS: Twenty mothers of hospitalized preterm infants (24-32 weeks gestational age). METHODS: Correlational analyses of RGI use with self-reported measures of distress (perceived stress, state anxiety, and depression symptoms), awakening salivary cortisol level, and salivary cortisol awakening response collected from mothers at baseline and after 8 weeks of an RGI intervention. RESULTS: Nineteen mothers completed the study. Average use of RGI varied from 1.7 to 7.4 times per week (mean = 4.46, standard deviation = 2.7). Greater average use of RGI was correlated with lower awakening cortisol levels (r = -.38), greater cortisol awakening response (r = .36), and lower levels of distress (perceived stress [r = -.38], anxiety [r = -.43], and depression [r = -.41]). CONCLUSION: Relaxation guided imagery may be a feasible and acceptable intervention to reduce mental and physiologic stress and improve responsiveness in mothers of hospitalized preterm infants.

Adaptation of non-technical skills behavioural markers for delivery room simulation.

BACKGROUND: Simulation in healthcare has proved to be a useful method in improving skills and increasing the safety of clinical operations. The debriefing session, after the simulated scenario, is the core of the simulation, since it allows participants to integrate the experience with the theoretical frameworks and the procedural guidelines. There is consistent evidence for the relevance of non-technical skills (NTS) for the safe and efficient accomplishment of operations. However, the observation, assessment and feedback on these skills is particularly complex, because the process needs expert observers and the feedback is often provided in judgmental and ineffective ways. The aim of this study was therefore to develop and test a set of observation and rating forms for the NTS behavioural markers of multi-professional teams involved in delivery room emergency simulations (MINTS-DR, Multi-professional Inventory for Non-Technical Skills in the Delivery Room). METHODS: The MINTS-DR was developed by adapting the existing tools and, when needed, by designing new tools according to the literature. We followed a bottom-up process accompanied by interviews and co-design between practitioners and psychology experts. The forms were specific for anaesthetists, gynaecologists, nurses/midwives, assistants, plus a global team assessment tool. We administered the tools in five editions of a simulation training course that involved 48 practitioners. Ratings on usability and usefulness were collected. RESULTS: The mean ratings of the usability and usefulness of the tools were not statistically different to or higher than 4 on a 5-point rating scale. In either case no significant differences were found across professional categories. CONCLUSION: The MINTS-DR is quick and easy to administer. It is judged to be a useful asset in maximising the learning experience that is provided by the simulation.

Management of respiratory tract infections in young children-A qualitative study of primary care providers' perspectives.

Respiratory tract infections in young children are the most common cause of general practice visits in Australia. Despite the availability of clinical practice guidelines, the treatment and management of respiratory tract infections in young children is inconsistent. The aim of the study was to explore the management of respiratory tract infections in young children from a multi-disciplinary perspective using across-sectional qualitative research design based on the theoretical domains framework and the Capability, Opportunity and Motivation-B model. In-depth interviews were conducted with 30 primary care providers to explore their knowledge, views and management of respiratory tract infections in young children. Interviews focused on symptomatic management, over-the-counter medications and antibiotic use, and data were thematically analysed. Our findings showed that factors such as primary care providers' time constraints, parental anxiety, general practitioners' perception of what parents want, perceived parental pressure, and fear of losing patients were some of the reasons why primary care providers did not always adhere to guideline recommendations. Primary care providers also provided conflicting advice to parents concerning over-the-counter medications and when children should resume normal activities. Overall, this study showed that complex interactions involving emotional and psychological factors influenced the decision making process of primary care providers' management of respiratory tract infections in young children. A team care approach with consistent advice, and improved communication between primary care providers and parents is vital to overcome some of these barriers and improve guideline adherence. The findings of this research will inform the development of interventions to better manage respiratory tract infections in young children. RESPIRATORY TRACT INFECTIONS: CLINICIANS SWAYED BY PARENTAL ANXIETY AND PRESSURE: The emotions and psychology of both parents and clinicians influence how respiratory tract infections (RTIs) are managed in young children. Researchers in Australia, led by Ruby Biezen from Monash University, interviewed 30 primary care clinicians about their views on how to care for children with RTIs, such as the common cold. The interviews focused on symptomatic management, over-the-counter medications and antibiotic use. Despite the availability of best-practice guidelines, clinicians did not always follow the recommendations owing to factors such as time constraints, parental anxiety, perceived parental pressure, and fear of losing patients. These are some of the reasons why clinicians sometimes advise or prescribe unnecessary medications. The authors suggest that a team approach involving multiple healthcare professionals who deliver consistent advice could improve guideline adherence.