An integrative review of healthcare professionals’ experiences in caring for women who have experienced psychological birth trauma or birth related Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

Abstract

Background

A significant proportion of women worldwide experience childbirth as a traumatic event, which may result in enduring consequences for themselves, their partners and their children. Healthcare professionals have a key role in supporting women with psychological birth trauma and birth related post-traumatic stress disorder through prevention, early detection and supportive practices but evidence indicates that these phenomena, are not recognised by practitioners.

Design

This integrative review followed Whittemore and Knafl's five-stage framework as it facilitates the inclusion of different methodological approaches into an overall synthesis of the evidence. A systematic search of four electronic databases CINAHL, MEDLINE, EMBASE and PsycINFO was conducted between 2003 and 2024, with no geographical limits set due to the paucity of research published in this area.

Findings

Eight studies met the inclusion criteria and were synthesised using thematic synthesis. Two main themes plus sub-themes were identified: (1) Knowledge and Skills (sub-themes: Communication; Clinical skills) and (2) Challenges (sub-themes: Attitudes; Resources).

Conclusions

Knowledge and skill deficits contribute to the difficulties healthcare professionals face when providing care to women with psychological birth trauma and birth related PTSD. A lack of referral pathways for women to receive the specialised support and treatment they require is also evidenced. This study is the first to our knowledge to examine healthcare professionals experiences of caring for women with psychological birth trauma and birth related post-traumatic stress disorder and make recommendations on how to prevent, identify and support affected women within the perinatal setting.