A qualitative investigation of the experiences and impact of negative healthcare provider interactions during a traumatic birth

Prof Doc Thesis


Canning, J. 2023. A qualitative investigation of the experiences and impact of negative healthcare provider interactions during a traumatic birth. Prof Doc Thesis University of East London School of Psychology https://doi.org/10.15123/uel.8wxzw
AuthorsCanning, J.
TypeProf Doc Thesis
Abstract

Background: The experience of birth trauma is common and can have a detrimental impact on a birthing person’s psychosocial wellbeing. Research exploring the aetiology of birth trauma has highlighted that negative interactions with healthcare providers is a key risk factor for birth trauma. However, there is limited research exploring the nature of these interactions within the context of NHS maternity services.

Aims: The current study aimed to gain a deeper understanding of how birthing people experience negative interactions with healthcare providers and how negative interactions may contribute to the experience of birth trauma.

Method: Eleven semi-structured interviews were conducted with birthing people who had given birth using NHS services in the last five years. These were analysed using a thematic analysis.

Results: The study identified three main themes: 1) hospital centred care 2) power and the maternity system 3) the lasting impact.

Conclusion: The study findings indicate that negative interactions with healthcare providers during childbirth is central to the experience of birth trauma. Negative interactions were associated with a lack of personalised care and the epistemic privileging of healthcare providers. The experience of negative interactions had a significant impact on participants’ wellbeing and altered their trust in health systems.

KeywordsBirth trauma; Healthcare Provider Interactions
Year2023
PublisherUniversity of East London
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)https://doi.org/10.15123/uel.8wxzw
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File Access Level
Anyone
Publication dates
Online15 Nov 2023
Publication process dates
Completed11 Sep 2023
Deposited15 Nov 2023
Copyright holder© 2023, The Author
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