Healthcare professionals' perceptions of patient safety for the woman in childbirth in Sweden – An interview study

Abstract

Aim To describe healthcare professionals' perceptions of patient safety with a focus on the woman in connection to childbirth. Design A descriptive and qualitative design with a phenomenographic approach. Methods Individual qualitative face‐to‐face interviews with 19 healthcare professionals (midwives, nursing assistants and physicians) were conducted in three labour wards in Sweden. The data were analysed according to Dahlgren and Fallsberg's seven steps. Results The informants' perceptions of patient safety for the women were identified in four qualitative different descriptive categories: Safeguarding the woman, Safeguarding the birth process, Respecting the individual and the team and Managing workforce and learning. Supportive care and listening to the woman were important for patient safety. It was crucial to follow labour stages and to avoid unnecessary interventions. An open and tolerant atmosphere between the healthcare professionals improved decision‐making, and a reasonable workload was essential for ensuring safe care.

Healthcare professionals’ perceptions of patient safety culture and teamwork in intrapartum care: a cross-sectional study

“…The team competence 'Situation monitoring' reflects the process of actively scanning and assessing situational elements to gain information or understanding or to maintain awareness to support team functioning [36]. A tolerant atmosphere in the labor ward leads team members to exchange relevant information and dare to speak up to strengthen patient safety [27]. 'Communication' is the structured process by which information is clearly and accurately exchanged among team members [38].…”

“…'Communication' is the structured process by which information is clearly and accurately exchanged among team members [38]. In labor wards, using the SBAR (Situation, Background, Assessment, Recommendation) at handovers and during rounds decreased the risk for missing information [27]. The differences between the labor wards are difficult to interpret.…”

“…Lyubovnikova et al [26] reported that effective teamwork protected patients from harm and created a positive and engaging workplace. Healthcare professionals in labor wards perceived teamwork and open communication to be important for the safe care of women in childbirth [27]. Conversely, a lack of respect, fear of being questioned, experience of not being listened to, and the inability to agree on common safety strategies were identified as barriers to communication and teamwork among healthcare professionals in labor wards [28].…”

Adverse events in women giving birth in a labor ward: a retrospective record review study

“…Previous studies have found that women who sustained severe perineal lacerations suffered physically and psychologically and were not satisfied with their healthcare support [ 7 , 43 ]. Professional support in terms of a midwife being present in the labor room is important to create safe conditions during childbirth and can lead to decreased anxiety and tension in women [ 44 ]. Supportive care includes emotional support, information, advice about coping practices and comfort procedures.…”

Judicialization of nursing malpractice in perioperative care, and delivery and birth assistance

“…Despite the efforts made by health services to promote patient safety, nursing is still susceptible to various care malpractices (1) . The failure, unlike a violation, is not an intentional result and can be interpreted as inherent in the human condition, even if unwanted (2) . In the health sector, the occurrence of the malpractice is strictly related to the failure of processes and implies the need to adopt systemic measures that promote a safe environment for care (2)(3) .…”