Understanding staff views and experiences of a clinical practice change to reduce stillbirth in South Asian women: A cross-sectional survey.

BACKGROUND: In July 2017, Victoria's largest maternity service implemented a new clinical practice guideline to reduce the rates of term stillbirth in women of South Asian background. AIM: To capture the views and experiences of clinical staff following the implementation of the new clinical guideline. METHODS: Cross sectional survey of clinical staff providing maternity care in August 2018, 12 months post implementation. Staff were asked to provide their agreement with ten statements assessing: perceived need for the guideline, implementation processes, guideline clarity, and clinical application. Open-ended questions provided opportunities to express concerns and offer suggestions for improvement. The frequency of responses to each question were tabulated. Open ended responses were grouped together to identify themes. FINDINGS: A total of 120 staff completed the survey, most (n=89, 74%) of whom were midwives. Most staff thought the rationale (n=95, 79%), the criteria for whom they applied (83%, n=99), and the procedures and instructions within the guideline were clear (74%, n=89). Staff reported an increase in workload (72%, n=86) and expressed concerns related to rationale and evaluation of the guidelines, lack of education for both staff and pregnant South Asian women, increased workload and insufficient resources, patient safety and access to care. Challenges relating to shared decision making and communicating with women whose first language is not English were also identified. DISCUSSION: This study has identified key barriers to and opportunities for improving implementation and highlighted additional challenges relating to new clinical guidelines which focus on culturally and linguistically diverse women.

A concept analysis of obstetric violence in the United States of America.

The aim is to clarify the concept of "obstetric violence in the United States of America." Obstetric violence (OV) is a poorly defined and rarely applied concept in the United States that causes significant harm and requires recognition. The design is a concept analysis to examine the structure and function of OV in the United States. An English language literature review with no date restrictions was performed using CINAHL, PubMed, and Google search. The search was expanded to the related terms "birth rape" and "birth trauma." The concept analysis was conducted using the method outlined by Walker and Avant. The synthesized definition proposed is: Obstetric violence is abuse or mistreatment by a health care provider of a female who is engaged in fertility treatment, preconception care, pregnant, birthing, or postpartum; or the performance of any invasive or surgical procedure during the full span of the childbearing continuum without informed consent, that is coerced, or in violation of refusal. It is a sex-specific form of violence against women (VAW) that is a violation of human rights. A clear definition and understanding of OV in the United States will allow for its recognition. A conceptual basis for naming it can lead to better knowing its prevalence, further studies, and operationalizing the term to create pathways for accountability and restitution. Nurses are in a unique position to minimize OV risk and to promote individual and unit-based responses for zero-tolerance.

From the trenches: inpatient management of coronavirus disease 2019 in pregnancy.

The novel coronavirus disease 2019 caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 has become a pandemic. It has quickly swept across the globe, leaving many clinicians to care for infected patients with limited information about the disease and best practices for care. Our goal is to share our experiences of caring for pregnant and postpartum women with novel coronavirus disease 2019 in New York, which is the coronavirus disease 2019 epicenter in the United States, and review current guidelines. We offer a guide, focusing on inpatient management, including testing policies, admission criteria, medical management, care for the decompensating patient, and practical tips for inpatient antepartum service management.

Cuando hace unos meses nos hicimos cargo de la edición de Clínica e Investigación en Ginecología y Obstetricia (CIGO) teníamos la intención de que el Editorial en cada número estuviese dedicado a comentar alguno de los artículos incluidos en dicho número [editorial] / No disponible

OBJETIVO: El posible impacto de la histerectomía sobre la función sexual genera ansiedad a las mujeres. Los estudios han mostrado controversia. Dada la frecuencia de esta intervención, nuestro objetivo es saber si la función sexual cambia tras la misma. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Comparamos la función sexual antes de la histerectomía, a los 3 meses tras la misma y a los 9 meses, de las 299 mujeres a las que se les programa dicha intervención entre el 1 de noviembre de 2012 y el 31 de noviembre de 2014 en el Complejo Hospitalario Universitario de Albacete. Finalmente forman parte de nuestro estudio 166 mujeres. Se estudia la función sexual con el Cuestionario de Función Sexual de la Mujer (FSM ®). RESULTADOS: Encontramos que, tras la histerectomía, la función sexual de la mujer mejora en algunos aspectos y no cambia en otros. Las menores de 55 años presentan mejoría en el Deseo, en la Excitación y en la Frecuencia de la actividad sexual, y disminución de Problemas con la penetración vaginal; todo esto es ya manifiesto a los 3 meses de la intervención, sin cambios posteriores. La Ansiedad anticipatoria también mejora entre el tercer y noveno mes. Observamos tendencia a la mejoría en el dominio de Capacidad para disfrutar de su vida sexual en general. En mayores de 55 años solo encontramos aumento en la Frecuencia de actividad sexual a los 9 meses de la cirugía. CONCLUSIONES: Tras la histerectomía, la función sexual de la mujer mejora o no cambia. La mejoría se encuentra principalmente en menores de 55 años

OBJECTIVE: Women may experience anxiety because of the possible effects of hysterectomy on sexual function, but studies have shown conflicting results on this topic. Given the frequency of this procedure, the aim of this study is to determine whether sexual function changes after hysterectomy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A comparison was made of sexual function before hysterectomy to sexual function at 3 and 9 months after the procedure in 299 women who underwent hysterectomy between 1 November 2012 and 30 November 2014, at the Hospital and University Complex of Albacete, Spain. A total of 166 women were finally included in the study. Sexual function was studied using the Women's Sexual Function Questionnaire (Cuestionario de Función Sexual de la Mujer, FSM ®). RESULTS: It was found that some aspects of female sexual function improved after hysterectomy, whereas others did not change. Those younger than 55 years old experience improvements in sexual desire, excitement, and frequency of sexual activity, and had a decrease in problems with vaginal penetration. These changes were all evident 3 months post-intervention, and no changes occurred thereafter. Anticipatory anxiety also improved between the third and ninth month. An upward trend was observed in the general enjoyment of sex life. In those older than 55 years, an increase was only found in the frequency of sexual activity at 9 months post-operation. CONCLUSIONS: After hysterectomy, female sexual function either improves or remains unchanged. Improvement is primarily found in women younger than 55 years old

Midwives' experiences as preceptors and the development of good preceptorships in obstetric units.

OBJECTIVE: To study midwives' experience in their role as a preceptor and their perception on how to best support midwifery students in obstetrics units. Obstetric units are an important learning area for student midwives but knowledge on how to become a good midwife preceptor is limited. DESIGN: This qualitative study explores midwife preceptors' experience of supervising midwifery students in three obstetric units in Sweden. Following ethical approval seventeen midwife preceptors were interviewed and data were analysed thematically. FINDINGS: Thematic analysis of the interviews resulted in the identification of two themes and five subthemes: (1) self-efficacy in the preceptor role which involves (a) being confident in the professional position and (b) having the support of management and colleagues and (2) supporting the student to attain self-confidence and independence which entails (a) helping the student to grow, (b) facilitating reflection in learning situations, and (c) "taking a step back". KEY CONCLUSION: Good preceptorship occurs when midwives achieve full self-efficacy, when they master the preceptor role, and when they have enhanced their abilities to help, the student reach confidence and independence. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Health care organisations needs to develop and support midwifery preceptorships.

Optimal continuous support accompanying labor - the midwives' and laboring women's point of view.

BACKGROUND: Women who have continuous intrapartum support are more likely to have a shorter labor and spontaneous vaginal birth, and are less likely to need intrapartum analgesia than women who receive usual care without support. We aimed to determine what women in labor and midwives regard as the optimal number of labor supporters and whether they should be present during medical interventions. METHODS: A questionnaire was distributed to midwives participating in a national midwifery conference in June 2015. In addition, an anonymized questionnaire concerning the preferred number and type of supporters was distributed to laboring women at the beginning of labor and repeated post-partum in the maternity unit of a single tertiary medical center between March 2017 and January 2018. RESULTS: Of 124 midwives from 18 hospitals throughout Israel attending the conference, 92 (74%) completed the questionnaire. Eighty-three percent of the midwives who responded felt that more than two supporters interferes with their work. Eighty percent of the midwives work in obstetrical units that allow up to two labor supporters, and 82% of them felt that one or two supporters is optimal. Similarly, of the 140 laboring women surveyed, 84% preferred one or two supporters. There was no difference in the preferred number of supporters between the maternal pre- and post-partum questionnaires. The laboring women and midwives had differing opinions regarding supporter presence during vacuum extraction and perineal suture. Sixty-four percent of the midwives preferred that the supporter not be present during vacuum extraction, and 45% of them preferred that the supporter not be present during perineal suture. In contrast, among the laboring women, 78% preferred supporter presence during vacuum extraction, 76% during perineal suture and 74% during vaginal examination. Interestingly, even among the midwives, 82% preferred that the supporter remain during vaginal examination and 84% preferred the supporter remain during medical rounds. CONCLUSIONS: Serious consideration should be given to restricting the number of labor supporters to two, as both laboring woman and midwives consider that to be the optimal number. In light of the difference of opinion regarding presence of supporters during certain medical procedures, additional surveys concerning the points of view of obstetricians and laboring women in additional hospitals should be considered before establishing a national policy.

The maternity ward of a teaching hospital: reconfiguration of maternal-child nursing care.

OBJECTIVE: to analyze the strategies used by nurses and nurse professors for a better position in the maternity ward of the teaching hospital of the Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo. METHOD: this is a social-historical study with a qualitative approach. The primary sources were written documents, such as official letters, memos, ordinances, standards and routines of the hospital; photographic material; and oral testimonies from seven participants. The interviews were performed using a semi-structured questionnaire, with questions regarding the adaptation from a sanatorium to a teaching hospital, the challenges faced, and the strategies adopted by the nursing department. RESULTS: the results allowed us to understand the close link between the maternity ward and the nursing course of the Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo, which created a differentiated nursing care that integrated training and care with a broader and humanized look. FINAL CONSIDERATIONS: the actions of the nurses were recognized and gave them professional visibility, influencing a new form of care in the maternity ward.

The maternity ward of a teaching hospital: reconfiguration of maternal-child nursing care / Maternidad de un hospital-escuela: reconfiguración de la asistencia de enfermería materno-infantil / Maternidade de um hospital-escola: reconfiguração da assistência de enfermagem materno infantil

ABSTRACT Objective: to analyze the strategies used by nurses and nurse professors for a better position in the maternity ward of the teaching hospital of the Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo. Method: this is a social-historical study with a qualitative approach. The primary sources were written documents, such as official letters, memos, ordinances, standards and routines of the hospital; photographic material; and oral testimonies from seven participants. The interviews were performed using a semi-structured questionnaire, with questions regarding the adaptation from a sanatorium to a teaching hospital, the challenges faced, and the strategies adopted by the nursing department. Results: the results allowed us to understand the close link between the maternity ward and the nursing course of the Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo, which created a differentiated nursing care that integrated training and care with a broader and humanized look. Final considerations: the actions of the nurses were recognized and gave them professional visibility, influencing a new form of care in the maternity ward.

RESUMEN Objetivo: analizar las estrategias usadas por las enfermeras asistenciales y enfermeras docentes por una mejor posición en la maternidad del hospital-escuela de la Universidad Federal de Espírito Santo. Método: estudio de naturaleza histórico-social con abordaje cualitativo. Las fuentes primarias se constituyeron de documentos escritos, como los oficios, los memorandos, los decretos, las normas y las rutinas hospitalarias; el material fotográfico; y las declaraciones orales de siete participantes. La encuesta fue orientada por la ruta semiestructurada con cuestiones sobre la adaptación del sanatorio para hospital-escuela, los retos enfrentados y las estrategias adoptadas por la enfermería. Resultados: permitieron entender la estrecha vinculación de la maternidad con el curso de enfermería de la Universidad Federal de Espírito Santo, el que determinaba una asistencia de enfermería diferenciada, la cual integraba enseñanza y asistencia con una mirada más amplia y humanizada. Consideraciones finales: las acciones de las enfermeras fueron reconocidas y generaron visibilidad profesional, influenciando una nueva manera de cuidar en la maternidad.

RESUMO Objetivo: analisar as estratégias usadas pelas enfermeiras assistenciais e enfermeiras docentes por uma melhor posição na maternidade do hospital-escola da Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo. Método: estudo de natureza histórico-social com abordagem qualitativa. As fontes primárias constituíram-se de documentos escritos, como ofícios, memorandos, portarias, normas e rotinas hospitalares; material fotográfico; e depoimentos orais de sete participantes. A entrevista foi orientada por roteiro semiestruturado com questões sobre a adaptação do sanatório para hospital-escola, os desafios enfrentados e as estratégias adotadas pela enfermagem. Resultados: permitiram entender a estreita vinculação da maternidade com o curso de enfermagem da Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo, o que determinava uma assistência de enfermagem diferenciada, a qual integrava ensino e assistência com um olhar mais amplo e humanizado. Considerações finais: as ações das enfermeiras foram reconhecidas e geraram visibilidade profissional, influenciando uma nova forma de cuidar na maternidade.

Robot chores: machines make the decisions on mock maternity ward.

Robots could be used to make decisions on wards, American scientists have claimed.

Changes in induction methods have not influenced cesarean section rates among women with induced labor.

INTRODUCTION: Induction of labor has become more common in most countries during the last decade. We have compared methods and routines of labor induction as practiced in Norway in 2003 and 2013, and surveyed practices with regard to induction of labor without a medical indication in 2013. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A telephone interview with all delivery units in Norway was conducted in 2003. Data on preferred induction methods, use of prostaglandin, dosages, dose intervals and routes of administration were collected. In 2013, the same questionnaire was used, with additional questions on induction of labor without a medical indication. Data on overall cesarean section and induction rates were obtained from the Medical Birth Registry of Norway. RESULTS: From 2003 to 2013 the induction rate increased by 62% and the cesarean section rate by 6%. The cesarean section rate in women with induced labor remained stable at 17.1 and 17.4%, respectively. In 2003, 31 of 43 hospitals used dinoprostone for cervical ripening and induction. In 2013, 34 of 39 hospitals used misoprostol. A cervical balloon was used in three of 43 hospitals in 2003 compared with 31 of 39 in 2013. All but one hospital induced labor without a strict medical indication in 2013. CONCLUSION: The preferred methods for induction of labor changed within a decade to the use of misoprostol and cervical balloon. Induction of labor without strict medical indications is widely practiced. The changed induction methods have not influenced the cesarean section rates in women with induced labors.

Nivel de conocimientos sobre fecundación asistida en los enfermeros que trabajan en el área de ginecología

INTRODUCCIÓN La infertilidad no es un problema actual a existido desde la antigüedad. Se estima que la prevalencia de la infertilidad en la Argentina oscila entre el10% y el15% en la población en edad reproductiva. La reproducción asistida o fecundación asistida es un proceso que permite la fertilización en una mujer mediante técnicas como la manipulación de gametos de uno o ambos sexos. En la reproducción asistida se emplean diferentes técnicas dependiendo de las circunstancias y problemas particulares de cada pareja. En la actualidad Argentina cuenta con la ley Nacional de Fertilización Asistida Nº 26862 aprobada en el año 2013 por el Congreso Nacional, la cual apunta a garantizar el acceso integral a toda la población, a los procedimientos de reproducción asistida. Obliga a que los tratamientos sean cubiertos tanto por el sistema público de salud, como por las obras sociales y prepagas

INTRODUCTION: Infertility is not a present to issue existed since ancient times. It is estimated that the prevalence of infertility in Argentina ranges from EL10 and EL15%% in the population of reproductive age. Assisted reproduction or assisted fertilization is a process that allows fertilization in a woman through techniques such as manipulation of gametes of one or both sexes. In assisted reproduction different techniques depending on the particular circumstances and problems of each pair they are used. Argentina currently has the National Assisted Fertilisation Act No. 26862 approved in 2013 by the National Congress, which aims to guarantee full access to the entire population, to assisted reproductive procedures. It requires that the treatments are covered by the public health system, such as pre-paid social works. At the University Hospital of Maternity and Neonatology d the City of Córdoba a high percentage of women aged 35 to 40 years perform this treatment. It is a center of high complexity with feature reference hospital for patient care in the city and province of Cordoba, also from neighboring provinces both Tocogynecology and Neonatology. In the service of Gynecology is the area Sterility, made by a multidisciplinary team of medical specialists

A comprehensive obstetric patient safety program reduces liability claims and payments.

Begun in 2003, the Yale-New Haven Hospital comprehensive obstetric safety program consisted of measures to standardize care, improve teamwork and communication, and optimize oversight and quality review. Prior publications have demonstrated improvements in adverse outcomes and safety culture associated with this program. In this analysis, we aimed to assess the impact of this program on liability claims and payments at a single institution. We reviewed liability claims at a single, tertiary-care, teaching hospital for two 5-year periods (1998-2002 and 2003-2007), before and after implementing the safety program. Connecticut statute of limitations for professional malpractice is 36 months from injury. Claims/events were classified by event-year and payments were adjusted for inflation. We analyzed data for trends as well as differences between periods before and after implementation. Forty-four claims were filed during the 10-year study period. Annual cases per 1000 deliveries decreased significantly over the study period (P < .01). Claims (30 vs 14) and payments ($50.7 million vs $2.9 million) decreased in the 5-years after program inception. Compared with before program inception, median annual claims dropped from 1.31 to 0.64 (P = .02), and median annual payments per 1000 deliveries decreased from $1,141,638 to $63,470 (P < .01). Even estimating the monetary awards for the 2 remaining open cases using the median payments for the surrounding 5 years, a reduction in the median monetary amount per case resulting in payment to the claimant was also statistically significant ($632,262 vs $216,815, P = .046). In contrast, the Connecticut insurance market experienced a stable number of claims and markedly increased cost per claim during the same period. We conclude that an obstetric safety initiative can improve liability claims exposure and reduce liability payments.

Trend in mode of delivery in Rajavithi Hospital: a ten-year analysis (2002-2011).

OBJECTIVE: To create trends in mode of delivery both public and private service at Rajavithi Hospital. MATERIAL AND METHOD: The medical records of singleton pregnant women delivered between January 1, 2002 and December 31, 2011 were retrospectively analyzed for mode of delivery, indication of operative obstetrics, and modality of services (public and private service). RESULTS: During the study period, total singleton deliveries gradually decreased from 9,418 to 6,023 while the spontaneous vaginal delivery rate fluctuated, and the cesarean delivery rate increased from 25.48% to 34.70%. Vaginal operative deliveries steadily declined such as, forceps extraction 3.83% to 0.95%, vacuum extraction, 1.72% to 0.85%, and vaginal breech delivery 0.92 to 0.28%. CONCLUSION: The cesarean delivery rate increased in contrast with the decline of the vaginal operative delivery rate.