Proposed domains for assessing postpartum recovery: a concept elicitation study

Area of Science:

• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Maternal Health
• Psychology

Background:

• Postpartum recovery is a critical period for maternal well-being.
• Existing frameworks for postpartum recovery lack comprehensive domain identification.
• Understanding patient-reported outcomes is essential for improving postpartum care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose and define key domains of postpartum recovery.
• To establish a framework for studying the postpartum recovery process.
• To identify factors influencing recovery and challenges faced by postpartum women.

Main Methods:

• A concept elicitation study utilizing semi-structured interviews.
• Involved 10 writing committee members and 50 stakeholders, including 23 postpartum women.
• Iterative coding of interview transcripts to identify recovery domains and themes.

Main Results:

• Identified 13 postpartum recovery domains, with psychosocial distress, surgical/medical factors, and infant feeding as highly ranked.
• Key facilitators of recovery included family, lactation, and partner support.
• Inadequate social support was the most frequently cited hindrance, with breastfeeding and sleep challenges being prominent.

Conclusions:

• Proposes a novel framework of 13 postpartum recovery domains.
• Provides a comprehensive understanding of the postpartum recovery experience.
• This framework can guide future research and clinical practice in maternal health.