Barriers and enablers to antenatal care attendance for women referred to social work services in a Victorian regional hospital: A qualitative descriptive study

Vasilevski, Vidanka; Graham, Kristen; McKay, Fiona; Dunn, Matthew; Wright, Marion; Radelaar, Engelina; Vuillermin, Peter J.; Sweet, Linda

doi:10.1016/j.wombi.2024.01.006

Cited by 2 publications

(10 citation statements)

References 28 publications

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“…Conversely, several studies capturing HCPs’ experiences reported that they were fully aware trust was an essential requirement to provide optimal care to women [ 57 , 72 , 75 , 80 – 83 , 90 , 91 ]. Continuity of care provider was often mentioned by HCPs and women as a pre-requisite to build a relationship of trust and honesty [ 49 , 75 , 80 – 83 , 85 , 89 – 91 ]. However, many studies mentioned judgement and stigma interfering with the process of relationship-building, leaving women distrusting HCPs and undermining disclosure [ 49 , 55 , 60 , 63 , 71 , 72 , 77 , 83 , 85 ].…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…We identified from the majority of included studies that both women and HCPs had one common objective: to do what is best for the (unborn) baby [ 15 , 54 , 55 , 60 , 62 – 64 , 66 – 68 , 70 , 73 , 76 – 78 , 80 – 82 , 85 – 87 , 89 ].…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Several studies reported that women’s determination to ensure the baby’s wellbeing acted as a motivator to enter healthcare, even when they feared subsequent CP involvement [ 15 , 55 , 64 , 66 , 67 , 73 , 85 , 89 ].…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Many women had previous adverse life experiences, including past experiences with CP agencies. Previous contact with CP agencies was in most cases documented as a ‘red flag’ on their medical record and immediately shaped a perception of them as a risk and trouble-maker, which in response made them feel apprehensive of healthcare and healthcare professionals, with little confidence in a positive outcome [ 50 , 51 , 53 , 56 , 58 , 62 , 63 , 71 , 78 , 83 , 84 , 86 , 89 , 92 ].…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Included studies were published between 1993 and 2024, with study settings predominantly in the Global North, including Cananda (n = 4) [ 52 – 55 ], Germany (n = 1) [ 56 ], United States of America (n = 16) [ 50 , 51 , 57 – 74 ], United Kingdom (n = 7) [ 9 , 49 , 75 – 80 ] and Australia (n = 12) [ 13 , 15 , 81 – 89 ]. One study was carried out in Brazil [ 90 ].…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Healthcare experiences of pregnant and postnatal women and healthcare professionals when facing child protection in the perinatal period: A systematic review and Critical Interpretative Synthesis

Backer,

Rayment-Jones,

Lever Taylor

et al. 2024

PLoS ONE

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Background The perinatal period is known as time of transition and anticipation. For women with social risk factors, child protection services may become involved during the perinatal period and this might complicate their interactions with healthcare providers. Aim To systematically review and synthesise the existing qualitative evidence of healthcare experiences of women and healthcare professionals during the perinatal period while facing child protection involvement. Methods A systematic search of databases (Web of Science, MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsychINFO, CINAHL, ASSIA, MIDIRS, Social Policy and Practice and Global Health) was carried out in January 2023, and updated in February 2024. Quality of studies was assessed using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme. A Critical Interpretative Synthesis was used alongside the PRISMA reporting guideline. Results A total of 41 studies were included in this qualitative evidence synthesis. We identified three types of healthcare interactions: Relational care, Surveillance and Avoidance. Healthcare interactions can fluctuate between these types, and elements of different types can coexist simultaneously, indicating the complexity and reciprocal nature of healthcare interactions during the perinatal period when child protection processes are at play. Conclusions Our findings provide a novel interpretation of the reciprocal interactions in healthcare encounters when child protection agencies are involved. Trust and transparency are key to facilitate relational care. Secure and appropriate information-sharing between agencies and professionals is required to strengthen healthcare systems. Healthcare professionals should have access to relevant training and supervision in order to confidently yet sensitively safeguard women and babies, while upholding principles of trauma-informed care. In addition, systemic racism in child protection processes exacerbate healthcare inequalities and has to be urgently addressed. Providing a clear framework of mutual expectations between families and healthcare professionals can increase engagement, trust and accountability and advance equity.

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