Emotional safety in maternity care: An evolutionary concept analysis

Abstract

Background

Safety in maternity care is a priority, and a broadened view of safety (e.g., emotional, psychological, cultural) is evident in scientific literature and in lay discourse. ‘Emotional safety’ is being referred to with increasing frequency in this context; however, there is a lack of clarity in its use and meaning.

Aim

The aim of this concept analysis was to examine the concept of emotional safety in maternity care.

Methods

The evolutionary approach was used for this concept analysis.

Data sources

This concept analysis was literature-based, with a systematic search conducted of CINAHL, MIDIRS, and MEDLINE databases. Ten articles published between 2006 and 2024 met our criteria for inclusion.

Results

Identified attributes of emotional safety in maternity care included ‘feeling secure’, ‘feeling heard and well taken care of’, experiencing ‘supportive and respectful care’, and being in a ‘calm care environment’. Antecedents to emotional safety in maternity care were ‘having care needs met’, enacting ‘personal agency’, and engaging in ‘trusting relationships’. The consequences of emotional safety for maternity care recipients were ‘positive impact on experience’, ‘feeling empowered’, and ‘improved outcomes’. A conceptual definition and model resulted that clarify and illustrate the concept of emotional safety in the context of receiving maternity care.

Conclusion

This concept analysis contributes to the current body of knowledge of care recipients’ views and experiences of safe maternity care and provides a foundation for future concept use in research, education, policy, and clinical practice.