A mixed methods study to explore women and clinician׳s response to pain associated with suturing second degree perineal tears and episiotomies [PRAISE]

Abstract

This is a repository copy of A mixed methods study to explore women and clinician ‫׳‬s response to pain associated with suturing second degree perineal tears and episiotomies [PRAISE]. (2015) A mixed methods study to explore women and clinician‫׳‬s response to pain associated with suturing second degree perineal tears and episiotomies [PRAISE]. Midwifery, 31 (4).

A systematic mixed studies review of women's experiences of perineal trauma sustained during childbirth

“…Some described being able to recall facial expressions and negative interactions years after the event (Priddis, Schmied, & Dahlen, ; Priddis, Schmied, Kettle, et al., ; Salmon, ), whereas others described how their memories led to their avoidance of intimacy up to 5 years after the event (O'Reilly, Peters, Beale, & Jackson, ). Acknowledging that the suturing procedure can be a painful and traumatic experience for women, a mixed methods study found that women preferred a discursive (and therefore inclusive) communication style during the procedure and described the importance of compassion and communication (Briscoe, Lavender, O'Brien, Campbell, & McGowan, ).…”

Does midwife experience affect the rate of severe perineal tears?

“…Midwives’ experience was also found to be a protective factor against minor perineal trauma. Although much less attention is given to mild perineal tears, they are much more prevalent than severe tears, and may be associated with significant pain and psychological distress at the time of suturing . Moreover, the majority of women experience some short‐term discomfort or pain after perineal repair, and up to 17.8% of women will have sustained perineal pain 6 months after delivery .…”

Infection and wound breakdown in spontaneous second‐degree perineal tears: An exploratory mixed methods study

“…A UK‐based Delphi study found that infection was women's primary concern in the first few weeks after experiencing second‐degree perineal trauma, but women's experiences of infection have rarely been studied. A literature search undertaken for this study in July 2015 exploring women's experiences of first‐ and second‐degree perineal trauma identified only two interviews across six studies with women who experienced a perineal wound infection …”

“…A literature search undertaken for this study in July 2015 exploring women's experiences of first-and second-degree perineal trauma identified only two interviews across six studies with women who experienced a perineal wound infection. [19][20][21][22][23][24] Estimates for infection rates in second-degree tears range from 2% to 11% 1,25,26 but defining and identifying clinically relevant infection is challenging. 14,15,25 Estimates for wound breakdown in sutured tears are 0.1%-2%.…”