Midwives’ experience of the termination of pregnancy for medical reasons: A quantitative and qualitative study
Type de matériel :
96
Aims: Perinatal bereavement encompasses emotional upheavals that lead to psychological consequences not only for the parents but also for medical staff. This may be particularly the case for midwives confronted with the practice of the termination of pregnancy for medical reasons (TFMR). This research aims to investigate midwives’ level of anxiety, its relationship to their professional experience, and their own subjective experience during these interventions. Method: In the first part of this study, 238 midwives completed a self-administered questionnaire of twenty questions concerning the training they had received, their professional practice, and their need for support. In the second part, ten midwives took part in a phone interview investigating their experience of providing care during cases of TFMR. All the professionals completed the inventory of situational anxiety (IASTA-Y, Gauthier and Bouchard 1993). Results: Most midwives have a higher anxiety score than the general population when they think about taking care of a TFMR case. This score is negatively correlated to their number of years of experience as midwives. The midwives also mentioned difficulties in practicing TFMR on both the professional and personal levels, although they receive strong and valuable support from colleagues. They also highlighted the need to be better trained and supported in this practice. Conclusion: This study highlights the importance of midwives being better supported and trained in the practice of TFMR, which could help them to approach these interventions more calmly on a personal level and to provide the bereaved couple with the highest quality of support.
Réseaux sociaux