Cultivating Resilience Among Perinatal Care Providers During the Covid-19 Pandemic.

The Covid-19 pandemic has further illuminated the already existing need for methods of building resilience in perinatal caregivers. Using a scoping review approach, literature was examined to identify evidence-based models of resilience building in a cohort of perinatal clinicians. Research published between January 2015 and 2020 was evaluated using PubMed, CINAHL, EMBASE, and PsycINFO databases. Of the initial 3399 records reviewed, 2 qualitative studies met the inclusion criteria. Given the deleterious effects of Covid-19 on perinatal care providers, and in light of the paucity of available studies, personnel, time, and funding should be allocated for research to address these issues.

Identifying optimal labor and delivery nurse staffing: The case of cesarean births and nursing hours.

BACKGROUND: Numerous studies have identified a relationship between nurse staffing and adverse patient outcomes in medical / surgical patient populations. However, little is known about the impact of labor and delivery (L&D) nurse staffing and adverse birth outcomes, such as unintended cesarean delivery, in low-risk term-gestation women. PURPOSE: We examined nurse staffing patterns on the likelihood of cesarean sections (C-sections) among low- risk, full gestation births and provided a testing framework to distinguish optimal from ineffective levels of nurse staffing. METHODS: This retrospective descriptive study used hours of productive nursing time per delivery as the treatment variable to determine direct nursing time per delivery and its impact on the likelihood of a C-section. For comparisons, we also assessed the likelihood of augmentations and of inductions, as well as the number of neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) hours per birth. We limited our sample to those births between 37 and 42 weeks of gestation. Two complimentary models (the quadratic and piecewise regressions) distinguishing optimal staffing patterns from ineffective staffing patterns were developed. The study was implemented in eleven hospitals that are part of a large, integrated healthcare system in the Southwest. DISCUSSION: While a simple linear regression of the likelihood of a C-section on nursing hours per delivery indicated no statistically distinguishable effect, our 'optimal staffing' model indicated that nurse staffing hours employed by using a large sample of hospitals were actually minimizing C-sections (robustness checks are provided using similar model comparisons for the likelihood of augmentation and induction, and NICU hours). Where the optimal staffing models did not appear to be effective for augmentations, inductions, and NICU hours, we found significant differences between facilities (i.e., significant fixed effects for hospitals). In all specifications, we also controlled for weeks of gestation, race, sex of the child, and mother's age.

A arte de pintar o ventre materno: história oral de enfermeiras e obstetrizes / El arte de pintar el vientre materno: la historia oral de las enfermeras y parteras / The art of maternal womb painting: oral history of nurses and midwives

Resumo Objetivou-se, neste estudo, descrever quando, como e por que a enfermeira e a obstetriz aplicam a pintura no ventre de gestantes. Tratou-se de uma pesquisa exploratória, de abordagem qualitativa, na qual foi adotado o método da história oral temática. Participaram sete profissionais de saúde que aplicam a pintura no ventre e atendem gestantes no Brasil. A coleta ocorreu por meio de entrevistas, realizadas entre os meses de janeiro e maio de 2016. Os dados foram analisados com base na análise temática de conteúdo, de Laurence Bardin. A partir dos discursos, elaborou-se uma árvore histórica da pintura no ventre e emergiram três categorias que elucidam quando, como e por que a enfermeira e a obstetriz aplicam esta arte. Conclui-se que a pintura no ventre tem sido adotada no cuidado pré-natal e dentro da maternidade como estratégia de educação em saúde e na promoção do bem-estar materno e familiar.

Resumen El objetivo de este estudio fue describir cuándo, cómo y por qué la enfermera y la partera aplican la pintura en el vientre de mujeres embarazadas. Se trata de un estudio exploratorio cualitativo, donde se adoptó la metodología de la historia oral temática. Participaron siete profesionales de salud, los cuales aplican la pintura en vientre y atienden a mujeres embarazadas en Brasil. La recolección de datos ocurrió a través de entrevistas, realizadas entre Enero y Mayo de 2016. Los datos fueron analizados de conformidad con el análisis temático de contenido, de Laurence Bardin. A partir de los informes, ha sido elaborado un árbol histórico de la pintura en el vientre, junto a eso emergieron tres categorías las cuales aclaran cuándo, cómo y por qué la enfermera y partera aplican este arte. Se concluye que la pintura en el vientre ha sido adoptada en la atención prenatal y también dentro de la maternidad como estrategia de educación en salud, además de promover el bienestar materno y familiar.

Abstract The present study aimed to describe when, how and why the nurse and the midwife apply the painting on pregnant wombs. It was an exploratory research, qualitative approach, in which thematic oral history was adopted as method. Seven health professionals, who apply painting on the womb and attend pregnant women in Brazil, took part of it. The data provided through interviews conducted between January and May 2016. Data were examined based on the thematic analysis of content, of Laurence Bardin. From the interviews, historical tree of womb painting has been drawn up and three categories emerged, which clarify when, how and why the nurse and the midwife apply this art. The womb painting has been adopted in the prenatal care and in the maternity as a strategy for health education and the promotion of maternal and family well-being.

The experience of Italian nurses and midwives in the termination of pregnancy: a qualitative study.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to provide insight into the experiences of nurses and midwives working in the Italian abortion service. METHODS: Study participants were recruited through purposive sampling. Semi-structured interviews were conducted between July and September 2016, among 22 nurses and two midwives working in five abortion services in Milan, Italy. Transcripts of interviews were analysed using a phenomenological approach to data analysis. RESULTS: Five main themes emerged from the analysis: (a) coping with caring for women undergoing a termination of pregnancy; (b) improving professional training; (c) approaching work in a mechanistic way as a means of overcoming difficulties; (4) performing medical abortions; (d) recounting an experience. CONCLUSIONS: This first study about assisting with pregnancy termination in Italy may enable critical comparison with studies carried out in other countries. Both nurses and midwives suggested strategies, which may improve the provision of care: collaboration between primary and tertiary care, continuous training, multidisciplinary collaboration, increase of staff turnover and being kept abreast of new pharmaceutical products. Our findings are applicable to wider medical practice.

Testing the Effectiveness of Therapeutic Showering in Labor.

: Therapeutic showering is a holistic nursing intervention that is often available and supports physiologic labor. The purpose of this study was to compare the effectiveness of therapeutic showering with usual care during active labor. Research questions were as follows: Are there significant differences between women who showered 30 minutes during active labor and those who received usual labor care in anxiety, tension, relaxation, pain, discomfort, and coping? Is there a difference in use of obstetric interventions between groups? A convenience sample of healthy low-risk women in active labor was recruited (N = 32). A pretest posttest control group repeated-measures design was used. Participants were randomized to treatment group (n = 17), who showered for 30 minutes, or to control group (n = 14) who received usual labor care. Women evaluated pain, discomfort, anxiety, tension, coping, and relaxation at enrollment, again 15 minutes after entering the shower or receiving usual care, then again 30 minutes after entering the shower or receiving usual care. Chart reviews after delivery recorded obstetric interventions. The showering group had statistically significant decreases in pain, discomfort, anxiety and tension, and significant increase in relaxation. There were no differences in use of obstetric interventions. Therapeutic showering was effective in reducing pain, discomfort, anxiety, and tension while improving relaxation and supporting labor in this sample.

Midwives' attitudes towards supporting normal labour and birth - A cross-sectional study in South Germany.

OBJECTIVE: supporting healthy and normal physiological birth is part of the global maternity care agenda. Rising rates of interventions have been attributed to several factors, including characteristics, attitudes and preferences of childbearing women and their care providers. In this paper, the application of a scale that measures midwives' attitudes towards supporting normal labour and birth is described as well as factors that are associated with favourable attitudes, such as general self-efficacy, years in midwifery practice, and primary practice setting. DESIGN: in this cross-sectional study an online questionnaire was sent out via e-mail to midwives in two regions of South Germany. The questionnaire contained a validated general self-efficacy scale, a 38-item instrument that measures attitudes towards supporting normal birth among German midwives and questions about midwives' practice experiences and educational preparation. FINDINGS: on average, participants (n=188) were 39 years old (SD=10.3), and had 12 years of experience caring for women during labour and birth (SD=9.6). Multivariate modelling revealed that higher general self-efficacy, working primarily in out-of-hospital settings and having provided intrapartum care for fewer years were significantly associated with midwives' favourable attitudes towards supporting physiological birth (variance explained R(2)=29.0%, n=184). General self-efficacy (1.4%) and years of work experience (3.3%) contributed less of the variance in the outcome than work setting (24.5%). Sources of knowledge about normal birth were not significantly associated with the outcome and reduced the overall variance explained by 0.2%. CONCLUSIONS: the study has shown that, compared to work setting, the general self-efficacy of German midwives, years providing intrapartum care and sources of knowledge about normal birth had comparatively little impact on their attitude towards supporting normal physiologic birth. Increasing exposure to out-of-hospital birth among German midwives throughout education and practice and fostering the skills and confidence necessary to support normal birth in hospital settings are important strategies to decrease unnecessary obstetric interventions.

Cuidados de enfermagem à mulher com dor do parto: transformações a partir da pesquisa-ação participativa / Nursing care for women with pain in childbirth: changes from participatory action research

Evidências científicas apontam o excesso de intervenções prejudiciais na atenção às mulheres durante o parto, causando desconforto e dor. O uso de métodos não invasivos e não farmacológicos para alívio da dor do parto implica na participação efetiva da equipe de enfermagem. Objetivo geral: transformar o cuidado de enfermagem às mulheres durante o parto, por meio da utilização de métodos não farmacológicos para alívio da dor. Objetivos específicos: sensibilizar profissionais de enfermagem para o cuidado à mulher com dor do parto; analisar a percepção das profissionais de enfermagem sobre o parto; descrever o conhecimento sobre o cuidado às mulheres por meio do uso de métodos não farmacológicos de alívio da dor e construir coletivamente uma proposta de estratégias para a utilização de métodos não farmacológicos para alívio da dor do parto. Metodologia: estudo descritivo de natureza qualitativa utilizando a abordagem da pesquisa-ação participativa em saúde. Participaram do estudo 18 profissionais de enfermagem de um hospital na Bahia. Os dados foram organizados no software Atlas.ti, categorizados e analisados. Resultados: As participantes percebem o parto normal como experiência positiva; a dor do parto foi descrita como intensa, porém naturalizada; conhecem métodos não farmacológicos de alívio da dor e o definem como um cuidado qualificado. Bola, cavalinho, massagem, banho, deambulação, musicoterapia e aromaterapia foram os métodos mais citados e também utilizados pelas participantes. As dificuldades para realização do cuidado são insuficiência de pessoal; ambiente inadequado; despreparo de profissionais e de acompanhantes; e dificuldade na interação da equipe. As estratégias desenvolvidas foram: oficina de capacitação para o uso dos métodos não farmacológicos de alívio da dor, alocação de espaço destinado ao uso dos métodos pelas mulheres em trabalho de parto, elaboração e divulgação local de tecnologias educativas sobre estes métodos. Ao final da pesquisa, verificamos que o total de mulheres atendidas que utilizaram métodos não farmacológicos para alívio da dor dobrou, em relação à média dos seis meses anteriores, passando de 10% para 23%. Conclusão: A experiência evidencia a importância da utilização da abordagem participativa como mediadora de transformações nas práticas de cuidado em saúde, tanto do ponto de vista da melhoria da qualidade do cuidado prestado às mulheres, como na criação e fortalecimento de vínculos entre as profissionais. A pesquisa possibilitou, ainda, aprofundamento da integração ensino-serviço e maior inserção social do Programa de Pós-graduação em Enfermagem.(AU)

Scientific evidence points to the excess of harmful interventions in the care of women during labor, causing discomfort and pain. Noninvasive, non-pharmacological labor pain relief methods are recommended by the Ministry of Health, especially in the last five years. To its use is necessary the adoption of a model of care for women with appreciation for natural labor and inclusion of nurses in care management services to normal delivery, resulting in the effective participation of the nursing team. However, research in Brazil show low use of nonpharmacological strategies to relieve labor pain, like the hospital study. So, it is configured as a study problem: how nursing professionals can change their practice in the care of women with pain in labor using non-pharmacological methods? Overall objective: to transform nursing care to women during labor, through the use of non-pharmacological methods of pain relief. Specific objectives: to sensitize the nursing professionals to care for women with pain in labor; describe the perception of nursing professionals on delivery; describe knowledge about care for women through the use of non-pharmacological methods of pain relief, and build collectively an strategy proposes for the use of non-pharmacological methods for pain relief in labor. Methodology: A descriptive qualitative study using the approach of participatory action research in health. Study participants were 18 nursing professionals from a hospital in Bahia. Data were organized in Atlas.ti software, categorized and analyzed using thematic content analysis. Results: The participants perceive normal labor as a positive experience; labor pain has been described as intense, but naturalized; They know nonpharmacological methods of pain relief and define it as a skilled care. Ball, horse, massage, bathing, walking, music therapy and aromatherapy were the most frequent methods, also used by participants. The difficulties for the realization of care are insufficient staff; inadequate environment; unpreparedness of professionals and companios; and difficulty in team interaction. The actions were: sensitization and training workshops to equip professionals to the use of non-pharmacological methods of pain relief, space allocation to meet women who wished to use these methods during labor, development of educational technologies on use these methods. At the end of the survey, we found that the total number of women attending who used non-pharmacological methods for relief of pain doubled, compared to the average of the preceding six months, from 10% to 23%. Conclusion: The experience highlights the importance of using participatory approach as a mediator of changes in health care practices, for both points of view of improving the quality of care provided to women, as in the creation and strengthening of links between professionals. The research also resulted in a deeper integration between teaching and service and greater social inclusion of the Post-Graduate Nursing.(AU)

Apps móviles sanitarias para Ginecología y Obstetricia / Healthcare mobile apps for Ginecology and Obstetrics

Las apps sanitarias móviles, incluidas en el ecosistema de la mSalud (salud móvil), se están configurando como la punta de lanza de una nueva Enfermería obstétrica caracterizada por una aplicación intensiva de las nuevas tecnologías. Su adaptabilidad y facilidad de programación e instalación les permite funcionar como herramientas de exámenes clínicos, bases de datos de referencia, guías técnicas o calculadoras, facilitando el proceso de la toma de decisiones por parte del profesional sanitario. La normalización, el aseguramiento de la calidad y seguridad de los datos personales manejados, junto con el problema de la validación necesaria son los temas pendientes de resolver. Las nuevas tecnologías y el surgimiento de un nuevo arquetipo de gestante empoderada obligan, a los profesionales de la obstetricia, a adaptarse al nuevo entorno tecnológico desarrollando nuevas competencias e incrementando su implicación

Healthcare mobile apps, included in the mHealth (mobile health) ecosystem, are shaping themselves as the spear head of a new Obstetrical Nursing, characterized by an intensive application of new technologies. Their adaptability and ease of programming and installation allows them to work as clinical examination tools, reference databases, technical guidelines or calculators, facilitating the decision making process by healthcare professionals. Standarization, quality assurance and safety of the personal data managed, together with the problem of required validation, are matters still pending solution. New technologies and the emergence of a new archetype of empowered pregnant woman will force obstetrical professionals to adapt to the new technological setting, by developing new competences and increasing our involvement

Implementation of the WHO safe childbirth checklist program at a tertiary care setting in Sri Lanka: a developing country experience.

BACKGROUND: To study institutionalization of the World Health Organization's Safe Childbirth Checklist (SCC) in a tertiary care center in Sri Lanka. METHOD: A hospital-based, prospective observational study was conducted in the De Soysa Hospital for Women, Colombo, Sri Lanka. Healthcare workers were educated regarding the SCC, which was to be used for each woman admitted to the labor room during the study period. A qualitatively pretested, self-administered questionnaire was given to all nursing and midwifery staff to assess knowledge and attitudes towards the checklist. Each item of the SCC was reviewed for adherence. RESULTS: A total of 824 births in which the checklist used were studied. There were a total of births 1800 during the period, giving an adoption rate of 45.8%. Out of the 170 health workers in the hospital (nurses, midwives and nurse midwives) 98 answered the questionnaire (response rate = 57.6%). The average number of childbirth practices checked in the checklist was 21 out of 29 (95% CI 20.2, 21.3). Educating the mother to seek help during labor, after delivery and after discharge from hospital, seeking an assistant during labor, early breast-feeding, maternal HIV infection and discussing contraceptive options were checked least often. The mean level of knowledge on the checklist among health workers was 60.1% (95% CI 57.2, 63.1). Attitudes for acceptance of using the checklist were satisfactory. Average adherence to checklist practices was 71.3%. Sixty eight (69.4%) agreed that the Checklist stimulates inter-personal communication and teamwork. Increased workload, poor enthusiasm of health workers towards new additions to their routine schedule and level of user-friendliness of Checklist were limitations to its greater use. CONCLUSIONS: Amongst users, the attitude towards the checklist was satisfactory. Adoption rate amongst all workers was 45.8% and knowledge regarding the checklist was 60.1%. These two factors are probably linked. Therefore prior to introducing it to a facility awareness about the value and correct use of the SCC needs to be increased, while giving attention to satisfactory staffing levels.

Papel de la inyección de agua estéril en el control del dolor lumbar durante el proceso de parto / Role of sterile water injection in the control of back pain during birthing process

A lo largo del embarazo, el temor principal de las mujeres es el miedo al dolor de parto, lo que conlleva la búsqueda de un método eficaz para su alivio. La analgesia epidural es el método más utilizado en nuestro medio y el de mayor eficacia; sin embargo, en aquellas situaciones donde esta analgesia está contraindicada, o bien la mujer no la desea, los métodos no farmacológicos son fundamentales para conseguir un buen manejo del dolor. Dentro de los métodos no farmacológicos se encuentran las terapias complementarias y alternativas (TCA), las cuales, a pesar de no tener la misma eficacia en el alivio del dolor que la epidural, tienen efectos analgésicos importantes y son completamente inocuas para la gestante y el feto. La inyección de agua estéril (IAE) es una técnica englobada dentro de las TCA, que consiste en la administración de pequeñas cantidades de agua estéril, vía intradérmica o subcutánea, a ambos lados de la base de la columna vertebral, en una región conocida como el Rombo de Michaelis. Su indicación principal se basa en el alivio del dolor localizado en la zona lumbar que tiene lugar durante el parto. Posee un efecto analgésico importante que comienza a los pocos segundos de su administración y es más eficaz en las primeras fases del parto. La evidencia actual avala la alta eficacia de la técnica como un buen aliado en el alivio del dolor de la zona lumbar durante el parto, y su uso es altamente recomendado (AU)

During the pregnancy, the main concern of women is the fear of the labor pain. This fact makes women look for the complete relief of pain. For this reason, the technique used by excellence is the pharmacological analgesia (epidural). However, when the epidural analgesia is contraindicated or when women decide not to use it, the non pharmacological approaches to reduce labor pain are really useful. Complementary and alternatives therapies (CAT) are part of these methods and, even if they are not so effective in relieving pain than some pharmacological techniques, they have significant analgesic effects without side-effects on the fetus or mother. Intradermal water blocks or intracutaneous steril water injection is a type of Nonpharmacological Complementary Therapy which consists of intradermal or subcutaneous injections of small amonts of sterile water on both sides of the base of the spine in the lumbosacral region. It is prescribed for severe low back pain during labor. The technique has an important analgesic effect which begins a few seconds after it has been used, and pain refief could last 90-120 minutes. Its efficacy is backed up by many scientific researches, and it is really recommended to relieved the low back pain (AU)

Are all skilled birth attendants created equal? A cluster randomised controlled study of non-physician based obstetric care in primary health care clinics in Mexico.

BACKGROUND: the great majority of births in Mexico are attended by physicians. Non-physician health professionals have never been evaluated or compared to the medical model of obstetric care. This study evaluates the relative strengths of adding an obstetric nurse or professional midwife to the physician based team in rural clinics. METHODS: we undertook a cluster-randomised trial in 27 clinics in 2 states with high maternal mortality. Twelve non-physician providers (obstetric nurses (4) and professional midwives (8)) were randomly assigned to clinics; 15 clinics served as control sites. Over an 18-month period in 2009-2010, we evaluated quality of care through chart review and monthly interviews with providers about last three deliveries performed. We analysed practices by creating indices using WHO care guidelines for normal labour and childbirth. Volume of care was assessed using administrative reporting forms. FINDINGS: two thousand two hundred fifty-four pregnancies were followed, and a total of 461 deliveries occurred in study sites. Intervention clinics were more likely to score highly on the index for favourable practices on admission (OR=3.6, 95% CI 2.3-5.8), and during labour, childbirth, and immediately post partum (OR=8.6, 95% CI 2.9-25.6) and less likely to use excessively used or harmful practices during labour, childbirth and immediately post partum (OR=0.2, 95% CI 0.1-0.4). There was a significant increase in volume of care in intervention clinics for antenatal visits (incidence rate ratio (IRR) 1.3, 95% CI 1.2-1.4), deliveries (IRR=2.5, 95% CI 1.7-3.7) and for postpartum visits (IRR=1.4, 95% CI 1.1-1.7). INTERPRETATION: the addition of non-physician skilled birth attendants to rural clinics in Mexico where they independently provided basic obstetric services led to improved care and higher coverage than clinics without. The potential value of including a professional midwife or obstetric nurse in all rural clinics providing obstetric care should be considered. FUNDING: Mexican National Institute for Women, Mexican National Center for Gender Equity and Reproductive Health, MacArthur Foundation, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.

El parto realizado por matronas: una revisión integradora / The work performed by the childbirth midwives: an integrative review

Este artículo tiene como objetivo analizar las tendencias de las publicaciones sobre el trabajo realizado en casa por parteras. Se realizó una revisión integradora en las bases de datos LILACS y SciELO, en febrero de 2012. Se utilizaron las palabras clave: parteras tradicionales; parto domiciliario; parto normal. Tuveron los siguientes criterios de inclusión: los artículos completos en portugués y español, presentar el contenido que cumpla con los objetivos del estudio y que fueron publicados entre enero de 2002 y enero de 2012. La muestra se compone de 13 artículos sometidos a análisis de contenido temático y clasificación del nivel de evidencia. Se evidenciaron las siguientes categorías: "El reconocimiento social de las parteras", "La elección del parto en casa para las mujeres", "La atención de las parteras con la madre y el niño". Para las mujeres embarazadas, el parto en casa permite varias ventajas como la comodidad, la autonomía, intimidad, y sobre todo la libertad de movimiento. Las parteras realizaron el cuidado en prenatal y posparto con el fin de salvaguardar y prevenir problemas de salud tanto para la madre y el niño. Se observó que el reconocimiento de la comunidad fue, para las parteras, la mayor recompensa por su trabajo. Hay una gran necesidad de más estudios sobre este tema, ya que esta práctica seguirá durante muchos años, porque las parteras desempeñan y siempre desempeñarán un papel importante en las vidas de las mujeres que desean este tipo de entrega(AU)

The study was aimed to analyze the trend of publications about the childbirth performed at home by midwives. It is an integrative review performed in the databases LILACS and SciELO in February of 2012. The following key-words were used: midwives practical, home childbirth and natural childbirth. The inclusion criteria were: full papers in Portuguese and Spanish, in which the content meets the goals of the study and were published from January 2002 to January 2012. The sample was composed by 13 articles and submitted to thematic content analysis with evidence level of classification. There were emerged the following categories: "the choice of home childbirth", "the care of midwives with the mother and baby" and "social recognition of midwives." For pregnant women, birth at home, allowed several advantages such as comfort, autonomy, privacy, and especially freedom of movement. It was observed that midwives performed antenatal and postpartum in order to safeguard and prevent health problems for both the mother and the baby. It was evident that the community's recognition was for the midwives, the greatest reward for your work. It is a great need for more studies on this topic, since this practice perpetuated along the years, because the midwives play and always play a big role in the lives of women who want this type of delivery(AU)

Implantação da assistência humanizada ao parto em Juiz de Fora (1998-2001) / Implementation of humanized labor care in Juiz de Fora (1998-2001)

Trata-se de um estudo de natureza histórico-social do tempo presente. O objeto é a implantação do modelo humanizado de assistência ao parto em Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais, no período de 1998 a 2001. Os objetivos do estudo são: descrever as circunstâncias de criação da Comissão Interinstitucional para Redução da Cesariana e Proteção ao Parto Normal; analisar as estratégias da Comissão Interinstitucional para Redução da Cesariana e Proteção ao Parto Normal e a implantação do modelo humanizado de assistência ao parto na cidade de Juiz de Fora; analisar os efeitos da participação das enfermeiras obstétricas no campo obstétrico. O estudo apoia-se nas noções teóricas de campo, habitus, poder simbólico, luta simbólica e capital do sociólogo Pierre Bourdieu. Na análise foi realizada a triangulação de dados, através da articulação da documentação oral e escrita à luz das noções teóricas. A criação da Comissão Interinstitucional para Redução da Cesariana e Proteção ao Parto Normal foi uma estratégia elaborada na esfera da gestão pública da cidade. Teve início no dia 26 de fevereiro de 1998 no Departamento de Programação e Acompanhamento SMS/JF. As estratégias utilizadas pela Comissão para implantar o modelo humanizado de assistência ao parto foram: a elaboração e a implantação de um Plano de Ação com ações de informações e sensibilização dos médicos e da população; formação de Recursos Humanos para implantar as práticas obstétricas humanizadas, com a criação do Curso de Especialização em Enfermagem Obstétrica; e a reconfiguração do campo obstétrico com o projeto de criação da Casa de Parto...

This is a study of historical social nature of the present time. The object is the implementation of the humanized labor care model in Juiz de Fora, State of Minas Gerais, in the period 1998 - 2001. The aims of the study are: to describe the context of the establishment of the Inter-institutional Committee on Reduction of Cesarean Section Rate and Protection of Natural Birth; to analyze the strategies of the Inter-institutional Committee on Reduction of Cesarean Section Rate and Protection of Natural Birth and the implementation of the humanized labor care model in the city of Juiz de Fora; to analyze the effects of the obstetric nurses’ practice in the obstetric field. The study is based on the theoretical concepts of field, habitus, symbolic power, symbolic violence and capital of sociologist Pierre Bourdieu. The analysis comprised data triangulation through the articulation of the primary oral sources and documents written in accordance with the theoretical concepts. The establishment of the Inter-institutional Committee on Reduction of Cesarean Section Rate and Protection of Natural Birth was a strategy designed at the city’s public management level. It started on February 26, 1998 at the Planning and Monitoring Department of the Juiz de Fora/JF Municipal Secretariat. The strategies used by the Committee to implement the humanized labor care model: design and implementation of an Action Plan on physicians’ and population’s information and awareness-raising actions; training of Human Resources to implement humanized obstetric practices, with the establishment of the Specialization Course on Obstetric Nursing; and the redesign of the obstetric field with the project to establish the Casa de Parto (Birth Center)...

Professionals' views of fetal monitoring during labour: a systematic review and thematic analysis.

BACKGROUND: Current recommendations do not support the use of continuous electronic fetal monitoring (EFM) for low risk women during labour, yet EFM remains widespread in clinical practice. Consideration of the views, perspectives and experiences of individuals directly concerned with EFM application may be beneficial for identifying barriers to and facilitators for implementing evidence-based maternity care. The aim of this paper is to offer insight and understanding, through systematic review and thematic analysis, of research into professionals' views on fetal heart rate monitoring during labour. METHODS: Any study whose aim was to explore professional views of fetal monitoring during labour was considered eligible for inclusion. The electronic databases of MEDLINE (1966-2010), CINAHL (1980-2010), EMBASE (1974-2010) and Maternity and Infant Care: MIDIRS (1971-2010) were searched in January 2010 and an updated search was performed in March 2012. Quality appraisal of each included study was performed. Data extraction tables were developed to collect data. Data synthesis was by thematic analysis. RESULTS: Eleven studies, including 1,194 participants, were identified and included in this review. Four themes emerged from the data: 1) reassurance, 2) technology, 3) communication/education and 4) midwife by proxy. CONCLUSION: This systematic review and thematic analysis offers insight into some of the views of professionals on fetal monitoring during labour. It provides evidence for the continuing use of EFM when caring for low-risk women, contrary to current research evidence. Further research to ascertain how some of these views might be addressed to ensure the provision of evidence-based care for women and their babies is recommended.

Skilled birth attendants in Mexico: how does care during normal birth by general physicians, obstetric nurses, and professional midwives compare with World Health Organization evidence-based practice guidelines?

INTRODUCTION: We evaluated the quality of basic obstetric care provided by Mexican general physicians, obstetric nurses, and professional midwives compared with World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines for evidence-based practices and national guidelines. METHODS: Vaginal births were observed in 5 hospitals in 5 states from June 2006 until July 2007. We created 5 indices based on WHO guidelines and national standards for care during normal birth. These indices included 1) favorable practices at admission, 2) favorable practices during labor, birth, and immediately postpartum, 3) harmful or excessively used practices, 4) newborn practices, and 5) obstetric outcomes. We assessed each provider type's performance as high or low compared with the WHO standard and performed bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses to assess the association between indices, patient characteristics, and provider type, adjusting for standard errors for intragroup correlation. RESULTS: We observed 876 independently managed vaginal births. Adjusted regression analyses compared with the general physicians standard revealed significant results for favorable care by obstetric nurses on admission (odds ratio [OR] 6.25; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.08-18.84); for care by professional midwives (OR 21.08; 95% CI, 4.24-104.94) and obstetric nurses (OR 7.88; 95% CI, 2.76-22.52) during labor, birth, and postpartum; and for newborn practices by obstetric nurses (OR 4.14; 95% CI, 1.08-15.90). Professional midwives were least likely to perform harmful/excessively used practices during labor, birth, and the postpartum period (OR 0.06; 95% CI, 0.00-0.35). DISCUSSION: Professional midwives and obstetric nurses perform equally or better than general physicians when assessed by use or misuse of evidence-based practices. Professional midwives are an underutilized resource in Mexico. If integrated into the mainstream Mexican health system, they may improve the quality of obstetric care.

A influência do habitus da enfermeira nas representações das mulheres acerca do parto: o surgimento de uma nova demanda social para o campo obstétrico / The influence of nurse’s habitus in the women’s representation about childbirth: the appearance of a new social demand for the obstetric area

O presente estudo tem como objeto as representações mentais de mulheres produzidas pelas enfermeiras obstétricas na assistência ao parto. Os objetivos foram: Discutir as representações mentais das mulheres assistidas pelas enfermeiras sobre o parto e a prática obstétrica; Discutir o habitus da enfermeira obstétrica percebido pela mulher e Analisar as relações de poder simbólico entre os agentes envolvidos no processo de parturição. Trata-se de uma pesquisa qualitativa que utilizou a história oral temática e o teste de associação de palavras como técnicas de coleta de dados. Para a análise do material, utilizamos o método da análise de conteúdo de Bardin. A fim de dar sustentação teórica ao estudo, adotamos os conceitos de: campo, capitais, habitus, poder simbólico, trocas linguísticas, identidade e representações mentais, desenvolvidos por Pierre Bourdieu. Os resultados encontrados foram agrupados em duas categorias: “As representações mentais das mulheres sobre o parto e a prática obstétrica: as percepções construídas e desconstruídas com o processo de parturição” e ”O habitus da enfermeira obstétrica percebido pelas mulheres durante o processo de parturição: o poder simbólico destas agentes na construção de uma nova demanda social para o campo obstétrico”. A primeira categoria apresentou as representações construídas pela socialização e as transformações das representações mentais das mulheres consequente à interação com a enfermeira no campo obstétrico. Neste sentido, as percepções das mulheres sobre o parto e a prática obstétrica confirmaram a forte influência do modelo tecnocrático nos depoimentos. Além disso, a prática humanizada da enfermeira contribuiu para a construção de uma nova visão de mundo nas mulheres pesquisadas que provocou um confronto entre suas representações mentais...

The object of this study is the women’s mental representations produced by obstetric nurses in labor care. Aims: To discuss the mental representations of women assisted by nurses on labor and the obstetric practice; to discuss the habitus of the obstetric nurse perceived by the women, and to analyze the symbolic power relationships among the agents involved in the labor process. It is a qualitative study that used the thematic oral history and the word association test as data collection technique. As for the material analysis, we used Bardin's content analysis methodology; In order to provide theoretical support to the study, we adopted the following concepts: field, capitals, habitus, symbolic power, linguistic exchange, identity and mental representations developed by Pierre Bourdieu. The results found were grouped into two categories: “The women’s mental representations on labor and the obstetric practice: the constructed and deconstructed perceptions with the labor process” and “The obstetric nurse’s habitus perceived by women during the labor process: the symbolic power of these agents in building a new social demand for the obstetric area”. The first category presented the representations constructed from the socialization and the transformations of the women’s mental representations as a result of the interaction with the nurse in the obstetric area. In this sense, the women’s perceptions on labor and the obstetric practice confirmed the strong influence of the technocratic model on the testimonies. In addition, the nurse’s humanized practice contributed to the construction of a new vision of the world among the women studied, which resulted in a crash in their mental representations...

Improving essential obstetric and newborn care in resource-poor countries.

Skilled birth attendance (SBA) and essential obstetric care (EOC) are key strategies for reducing maternal and newborn mortality and morbidity globally. Lack of adequately trained competent staff is a key barrier to achieving this. We assessed the effectiveness of a new package of 'Life Saving Skills - Essential Obstetric and Newborn Care Training' (LSS-EOC and NC) designed specifically around the UN signal functions in seven countries in sub-Saharan Africa. Among 600 healthcare providers (nurse-midwives, doctors, clinical officers and specialists), knowledge about the diagnosis and management of complications of pregnancy and childbirth as well as newborn care significantly increased (p < 0.001). There was measurable improvement in skills (p < 0.001), and participants expressed a high level of satisfaction with the training. The training package was found to meet the needs of healthcare providers, increased awareness of the need for evidence-based care and encouraged teamwork.