Strategies to improve interpersonal communication along the continuum of maternal and newborn care: A scoping review and narrative synthesis

Abstract

Effective interpersonal communication is essential to provide respectful and quality maternal and newborn care (MNC). This scoping review mapped, categorized, and analysed strategies implemented to improve interpersonal communication within MNC up to 42 days after birth. Twelve bibliographic databases were searched for quantitative and qualitative studies that evaluated interventions to improve interpersonal communication between health workers and women, their partners or newborns’ families. Eligible studies were published in English between January 1st 2000 and July 1st 2020. In addition, communication studies in reproduction related domains in sexual and reproductive health and rights were included. Data extracted included study design, study population, and details of the communication intervention. Communication strategies were analysed and categorized based on existing conceptualizations of communication goals and interpersonal communication processes. A total of 138 articles were included. These reported on 128 strategies to improve interpersonal communication and were conducted in Europe and North America (n = 85), Sub-Saharan Africa (n = 12), Australia and New Zealand (n = 10), Central and Southern Asia (n = 9), Latin America and the Caribbean (n = 6), Northern Africa and Western Asia (n = 4) and Eastern and South-Eastern Asia (n = 2). Strategies addressed three communication goals: facilitating exchange of information (n = 97), creating a good interpersonal relationship (n = 57), and/or enabling the inclusion of women and partners in the decision making (n = 41). Two main approaches to strengthen interpersonal communication were identified: training health workers (n = 74) and using tools (n = 63). Narrative analysis of these interventions led to an update of an existing communication framework. The categorization of different forms of interpersonal communication strategy can inform the design, implementation and evaluation of communication improvement strategies. While most interventions focused on information provision, incorporating other communication goals (building a relationship, inclusion of women and partners in decision making) could further improve the experience of care for women, their partners and the families of newborns.

Quality of Care at childbirth during the COVID-19 pandemic: findings of the IMAgiNE EURO study in Belgium

“…Lack of communication and autonomy during childbirth is a serious concern and should be tackled to improve women's experience. A recent review showed that communication skills can be enhanced by training and using additional communication tools, however, the importance of an enabling environment cannot be underestimated (42). The health care system in which health providers operate undoubtedly impacts the ability to effectively communicate and respect women's choices.…”

“…The health care system in which health providers operate undoubtedly impacts the ability to effectively communicate and respect women's choices. Enabling factors can include a non-excessive workload (allowing time to communicate), availability of adequate space and resources, and a work atmosphere where teamwork, empathy and good communication are the norm (42). More research into these environmental factors and providers' perspectives is highly needed in the Belgian context to tackle these shortcomings in childbirth care.…”

Application of the integrated gateway model on child nutrition behaviors in Niger: An exploratory analysis

“…Previous studies have found that integrating infant and young child nutrition counseling during antenatal care (ANC), postnatal care, family planning or child consultation visits can be an effective approach to improving infant and young child feedings in some settings [6][7][8]. However, findings from a scoping review and narrative analysis published in 2023 found that strategies to improve interpersonal communication along the continuum of maternal and newborn care centered around information sharing and that women, their partners and families could benefit from a more comprehensive, integrated communication strategy [9]. Integrated social and behavior change (SBC) programming is an evidence-driven approach that aims to affect key behaviors and social norms by addressing their individual, social, and structural determinants (factors).…”