This is the unspecified version of the paper.This version of the publication may differ from the final published version. (Milam, 2004;Milam, 2006a;Siegel & Schrimshaw, 2000). Likewise, data suggest that between 60% and 90% of cancer survivors also report positive changes (Collins, Taylor, & Skokan, 1990; Fromm, Andrykowski, & Hunt, 1996;Petrie, Buick, Weinman, & Booth, 1999; Rieker, Edbril, & Garnick, 1985). Within the general PTG literature three common categories of growth an individual's basic beliefs about the self and the world and that some type of meaning making or cognitive processing to rebuild these beliefs and goals occurs, resulting in perceptions that one has grown through the process (Horowitz, 1986;Janoff-Bulman, 2004;Tedeschi & Calhoun, 2004). Although offering different levels of explanation at both the social cognitive and biological evolutionary levels, they are complimentary in that they are underpinned by the notion that people are intrinsically motivated towards growth (Joseph & Linley, 2006). Permanent repository linkAn important issue to be addressed in the literature is whether PTG following the diagnosis of a life-threatening illness is associated with psychological and physical benefits (Zoellner & Maercker, 2006). However, the current literature is unclear. Therefore, it remains to be established whether the experience of PTG in relation to a life-threatening illness confers any benefit in terms of psychological or physical health. Given the discrepant findings on this relationship a systematic integration of the literature is needed, and a meta-analysis is an ideal tool to do this. A previous meta-analysis conducted by Helgeson, Reynolds, and Tomich (2006) investigated the association between PTG and adjustment after a wide range of events such as sexual assault, natural disaster, bereavement, childhood abuse and illness. They found that PTG was related to more positive affect and less depression, but also to more intrusive thoughts about the event. PTG was unrelated to anxiety, distress, quality of life and subjective physical health. As such the aim of the current paper is to present a meta-analysis of the existing literature that will aim to objectively summarize PTG and its relation to adjustment in individuals living with a life threatening illness (cancer or HIV/AIDS) and to examine potential moderators of this

BackgroundSatisfaction is the one of the most frequently reported outcome measures for quality of care. Assessment of satisfaction with maternity services is crucial, and psychometrically sound measures are needed if this is to inform health practices. This paper comparatively reviews current measures of satisfaction with care during labour and birth.MethodsA review of the literature was conducted. Studies were located through computerised databases and hand searching references of identified articles and reviews. Inclusion criteria were that the questionnaire was a multi-item scale of satisfaction with care during labour and birth, and some form of psychometric information (either information about questionnaire construction, or reliability, or validity) had to be reported.ResultsNine questionnaires of satisfaction with care during labour and birth were identified. Instruments varied in psychometric properties and dimensions. Most described questionnaire construction and tested some form of reliability and validity. Measures were generally not based on the main theoretical models of satisfaction and varied in scope and application to different types of samples (e.g. satisfaction following caesarean section). For an in-depth measure of satisfaction with intrapartum care, the Intrapartal-Specific Quality from the Patient’s Perspective questionnaire (QPP-I) is recommended. Brief measures with good reliability and validity are provided by the Six Simple Questions (SSQ) or Perceptions of Care Adjective Checklist (PCACL-R).ConclusionsDespite the interest in measures of satisfaction there are only a small number of validated measures of satisfaction with care during labour and birth. It is important that brief, reliable and valid measures are available for use in general and specific populations in order to assist research and inform practice.

This is the unspecified version of the paper.This version of the publication may differ from the final published version. (Milam, 2004;Milam, 2006a;Siegel & Schrimshaw, 2000). Likewise, data suggest that between 60% and 90% of cancer survivors also report positive changes (Collins, Taylor, & Skokan, 1990; Fromm, Andrykowski, & Hunt, 1996;Petrie, Buick, Weinman, & Booth, 1999; Rieker, Edbril, & Garnick, 1985). Within the general PTG literature three common categories of growth an individual's basic beliefs about the self and the world and that some type of meaning making or cognitive processing to rebuild these beliefs and goals occurs, resulting in perceptions that one has grown through the process (Horowitz, 1986;Janoff-Bulman, 2004;Tedeschi & Calhoun, 2004). Although offering different levels of explanation at both the social cognitive and biological evolutionary levels, they are complimentary in that they are underpinned by the notion that people are intrinsically motivated towards growth (Joseph & Linley, 2006). Permanent repository linkAn important issue to be addressed in the literature is whether PTG following the diagnosis of a life-threatening illness is associated with psychological and physical benefits (Zoellner & Maercker, 2006). However, the current literature is unclear. Therefore, it remains to be established whether the experience of PTG in relation to a life-threatening illness confers any benefit in terms of psychological or physical health. Given the discrepant findings on this relationship a systematic integration of the literature is needed, and a meta-analysis is an ideal tool to do this. A previous meta-analysis conducted by Helgeson, Reynolds, and Tomich (2006) investigated the association between PTG and adjustment after a wide range of events such as sexual assault, natural disaster, bereavement, childhood abuse and illness. They found that PTG was related to more positive affect and less depression, but also to more intrusive thoughts about the event. PTG was unrelated to anxiety, distress, quality of life and subjective physical health. As such the aim of the current paper is to present a meta-analysis of the existing literature that will aim to objectively summarize PTG and its relation to adjustment in individuals living with a life threatening illness (cancer or HIV/AIDS) and to examine potential moderators of this

ObjectivesTo assess parents’ first experiences of their very preterm babies and the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).DesignQualitative study using semistructured interviews.Participants32 mothers and 7 fathers of very preterm babies (<32 weeks gestation).SettingThree neonatal units in tertiary care hospitals in South East England.ResultsFive themes were identified. The first describes parents’ blurred recall of the birth. The second shows the anticipation of seeing and touching their baby for the first time was characterised by contrasting emotions, with some parents feeling scared and others excited about the event. The third theme describes parents’ first sight and touch of their babies and their ‘rollercoaster’ of emotions during this time. It also highlights the importance of touch to trigger and strengthen the parent–baby bond. However, some parents were worried that touching or holding the baby might transmit infection or interfere with care. The fourth theme captures parents’ impressions of NICU and how overwhelming this was particularly for parents who had not toured NICU beforehand or whose first sight of their baby was on NICU. The final theme captures unique experiences of fathers, in particular that many felt excluded and confused about their role.ConclusionsThis study informs family-centred care by providing insight into the experiences of parents of very preterm infants at a time when they are most in need of support. Clinical implications include the importance of offering parents preparatory tours of the NICU and including fathers.

BackgroundThe admission of a very premature infant to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) is often a difficult time for parents. This paper explores parents’ views and experiences of the care for their very premature baby on NICU.MethodsParents were eligible if they had a baby born before 32 weeks gestation and cared for in a NICU, and spoke English well. 32 mothers and 7 fathers were interviewed to explore their experiences of preterm birth. Although parents’ evaluation of care in the NICU was not the aim of these interviews, all parents spoke spontaneously and at length on this topic. Results were analysed using thematic analysis.ResultsOverall, parents were satisfied with the care on the neonatal unit. Three major themes determining satisfaction with neonatal care emerged: 1) parents’ involvement; including looking after their own baby, the challenges of expressing breast milk, and easy access to their baby; 2) staff competence and efficiency; including communication, experience and confidence, information and explanation; and 3) interpersonal relationships with staff; including sensitive and emotional support, reassurance and encouragement, feeling like an individual.ConclusionsDeterminants of positive experiences of care were generally consistent with previous research. Specifically, provision of information, support for parents and increasing their involvement in the care of their baby were highlighted by parents as important in their experience of care.

No abstract

This is the unspecified version of the paper.This version of the publication may differ from the final published version. Permanent repository link: AbstractChildbirth is a complex event that leads to a variety of psychological outcomes. This cross-sectional study examined posttraumatic growth in women following childbirth (N = 219) using an online questionnaire, and explored associations between growth, support and control during birth, coping after birth, and symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). At least moderate degrees of growth were reported by 50.2%of women and average levels of growth were similar to those found in following accidents and assaults. Growth was positively related to approach coping and the avoidant strategy of seeking alternative rewards, but was unrelated to support and control during birth, other avoidant coping strategies after birth, and PTSD symptoms.It is concluded that growth does occur following childbirth. Further research is needed to clarify factors associated with growth in women following childbirth and to determine if growth is associated with psychological benefits in this population.

ObjectiveTo assess parents' experiences and satisfaction with care during very preterm birth and to identify domains associated with positive and negative experiences of care.DesignQualitative study using semi-structured interviews.SettingThree neonatal units in tertiary care hospitals in South-East England.PopulationThirty-two mothers and seven fathers who had a baby born before 32 weeks of gestation and spoke English well.MethodsSemi-structured interviews were conducted. Results were analysed using thematic analysis.Main outcome measuresParticipants' experiences and satisfaction with care during the birth of their preterm baby.ResultsOverall, 80% of participants were extremely satisfied with the care during the birth of their preterm baby, seven were generally satisfied but felt some things could be improved and one was dissatisfied. Four key determinants of experiences of care were identified: staff professionalism, which included information and explanation, being calm in a crisis, appearing confident and in control, and conversely not listening to the woman; staff empathy, which included caring and emotional support, and encouragement and reassurance; involvement of the father; and birth environment.ConclusionsAlthough the determinants of experiences of care are generally consistent with previous research on term births, unique factors to preterm birth were identified. These were the importance of the staff appearing calm during the birth, and the staff portraying confidence and taking control during the birth. Women valued being listened to, and both they and their partners valued staff helping fathers to feel involved during the birth.