Bioethics in Childbirth Care: Protocol for a Scoping Review

Area of Science:

• Bioethics
• Maternal Healthcare
• Human Rights in Childbirth

Background:

• Humanized and bioethical principles in childbirth care are crucial for quality, safety, and positive patient experiences.
• Ensuring women's rights during childbirth is a key aspect of ethical care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the existing evidence on the application of bioethical principles within the broader context of childbirth care.
• To synthesize findings for potential adoption into childbirth care practices.

Main Methods:

• A comprehensive scoping review following the Joanna Briggs Institute guidelines.
• Inclusion of published and unpublished materials focusing on bioethics in pre-delivery, childbirth, and postpartum care.
• Searches conducted across major databases including PubMed, LILACS, and Web of Science.

Main Results:

• Data will be presented using flowcharts, tables, and narrative descriptions.
• Findings will be disseminated to health services, policymakers, and the academic community.
• The review aims to influence decision-making processes for childbirth care practices in Brazil.

Conclusions:

• The review's findings will facilitate knowledge translation to various stakeholders.
• Informing childbirth support groups, feminist movements, and humanization advocates.
• Recommendations will support the adoption of ethical and humanized practices in childbirth care.