A Qualitative Systematic Review of the Women’s Experience in Managing Post-partum Haemorrhage

Abstract

Post-partum haemorrhage (PPH) refers to excessive bleeding after delivery following either a vaginal delivery or a caesarean section. There have been many types of research conducted on issues related to PPH but very few literature on the systematic review related to PPH using qualitative methods. In this study, a review was conducted to determine the best available evidence to explore and determine women’s experiences of care following PPH. A total of eight papers were finally selected for review. Four criteria were selected for the review selection. First, the papers were published after 2011, second, the topic must be on the experience of PPH, third, the research design must be qualitative and lastly, the data collection method was a semi-structured interview method. In order to ensure a stringent, transparent review process, the Joanna Briggs Institute, JBI 2011 guidelines have been applied for this purpose. During data extraction, aggregation, and interpretation of the findings, five themes were identified in response to the review objectives. They are; implications of information deprivation across the care pathway; concerns about the baby and early mothering; professional collaboration and adequacy of care; fear of unknown outcomes and perceptions of coming close to death; and sensitivity to social isolation and perceived professional neglect. The review found that women’s needs should be given adequate attention during PPH care including unhindered information flow and the ability to be in close contact with the babies and husbands. It is hoped that the evidence obtained from this review could subsequently be utilised to inform the design and development of support interventions in future practice and potentially contribute to the existing knowledge and enhance evidence-based decision-making in practice and policy. This review also develops knowledge and understanding of women’s experience of care in relation to PPH.