Mismatched caring in high-risk perinatal situations.

Area of Science:

• Perinatal Care
• Maternal-Fetal Medicine
• Qualitative Research

Background:

• High-risk pregnancies and newborns require specialized perinatal care.
• Understanding the subjective experiences of women in high-risk perinatal situations is crucial for effective care.
• Existing care models may not adequately address the differing perspectives of mothers and healthcare providers.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the subjective experiences of women undergoing high-risk perinatal care.
• To identify and analyze the discrepancies in perceptions between high-risk mothers and their caregivers.
• To propose improvements in perinatal care practices based on identified mismatches.

Main Methods:

• A longitudinal study employing a phenomenological approach.
• Data collection through in-depth interviews and personal diaries.
• Analysis of subjective experiences from 27 women in high-risk perinatal situations.

Main Results:

• A significant mismatch was identified between mothers' and caregivers' perceptions of the high-risk situation.
• Mothers tended to focus on potential positive outcomes, while caregivers concentrated on actual or potential problems.
• Caregivers sometimes inappropriately labeled mothers as being in denial of the situation's seriousness.

Conclusions:

• The differing focus (hope vs. problems) creates 'dysynchronous caring' between mothers and caregivers.
• Implementing changes in care practices is necessary to bridge this perceptual gap.
• Enhanced communication and empathy are vital for improving the experience of women in high-risk perinatal care.