Abstract

Hypothesis/Purpose: Complications in the postpartum period can include pain, urinary incontinence, diastasis recti abdominis, and pelvic floor injury. Physical therapists are in a unique position to address these concerns during the acute postpartum stay. However, there is a lack of consensus regarding the role of physical therapy (PT) in this patient population. Mother-Baby (MB) nurses work closely with postpartum mothers; therefore, the purpose of this study was to gain nurses' perspectives of their knowledge of and need for PT in the acute postpartum setting. Subjects: Nine MB nurses and 1 newly graduated nurse with MB experience from 2 hospitals near Winchester, Virginia, participated. Materials/Methods: Contact was made with nurse managers to arrange a time for the focus group. A demographic questionnaire was distributed prior to the session. A student moderator led the semistructured interview with preselected open-ended questions. The focus groups were audio/video recorded and transcribed. Transcriptions were used for theme coding and concept map development. Results: Five participants were present for each focus group. Four main themes and 1 subtheme emerged. These included lack of understanding of PT scope of practice with a subtheme of special circumstances, limited time, role overlap, and appropriate timing of PT. Lack of understanding of PT scope of practice was the overarching theme. Conclusion: MB nurses demonstrated a limited understanding of the PT scope of practice and their potential role postpartum. Further education and interdisciplinary collaboration may be beneficial to enhance postpartum care in the United States.

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.