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Midwives’ perceptions and experiences of caring for women who experience perinatal mental health problems: an integrative review

Noonan, Maria; Doody, Owen; Jomeen, Julie; Galvin, Rose

Authors

Maria Noonan

Owen Doody

Julie Jomeen

Rose Galvin



Abstract

Background Perinatal mental health is an important public health issue and consideration must be given to care provision for effective support and care of women in the perinatal period. Aim To synthesise primary research on midwives’ perceived role in Perinatal Mental Health (PMH). Design Integrative review. Methods Whittemore and Knafl's (2005) framework was employed. A systematic search of the literature was completed. Studies were included if they met the following criteria: primary qualitative, quantitative and mixed methods research studies published in peer reviewed journals between January 2006 to February 2016, where the population of interest were midwives and the outcomes of interest were their perceived role in the management of women with PMH problems. The methodological quality of studies was assessed using the relevant CASP (Critical Appraisal Skills Programmes) criteria for quantitative and qualitative research studies. Data extraction, quality assessment and thematic analysis were conducted. Findings A total of 3323 articles were retrieved and 22 papers were included in the review (15 quantitative, 6 qualitative and one mixed method study). The quality of the studies included was good overall. Two overarching themes emerged relating to personal and professional engagement. Within personal engagement four sub themes are presented: knowledge, skills, decision making and attitude. Within professional engagement four themes are presented: continuous professional development, organisation of care, referral, and support. Conclusions and implications for practice The findings indicate midwives require continuous professional development opportunities that address knowledge, attitudes to PMH, communication and assessment skills. However educational and training support in the absence of appropriate referral pathways and support systems will have little benefit.

Citation

Noonan, M., Doody, O., Jomeen, J., & Galvin, R. (2017). Midwives’ perceptions and experiences of caring for women who experience perinatal mental health problems: an integrative review. Midwifery, 45, 56-71. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.midw.2016.12.010

Acceptance Date Dec 11, 2016
Online Publication Date Dec 12, 2016
Publication Date 2017-02
Deposit Date Dec 20, 2016
Publicly Available Date Mar 29, 2024
Journal Midwifery
Print ISSN 0266-6138
Electronic ISSN 1532-3099
Publisher Elsevier
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 45
Pages 56-71
DOI https://doi.org/10.1016/j.midw.2016.12.010
Keywords Midwife; Perinatal mental health; Attitudes; Screening; Integrative review; Synthesis
Public URL https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/446322
Publisher URL http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S026661381630331X
Additional Information This is a description of an article which has been published in: Midwifery, 2017, v.45

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