Abstract
Objectives
This umbrella review aimed to summarize evidence on pregnant persons and/or their birth partners' experiences and expectations of SDM during pregnancy and childbirth.
Methods
We searched eight databases from 2011 to 2023. Quantitative, qualitative and mixed methods systematic reviews were included in this review.
Results
We have identified 26 reviews that report on 622 primary studies involving over 213,000 pregnant persons and 22,000 birth partners, examining a broad range of decision-making scenarios in maternity care. The three-talk model was used to categorise the themes which include communication, weighing options, and making a decision. Multiple reviews have reported that pregnant persons and birth partners have mixed experiences in several decision-making scenarios, with insufficient information and inadequate consideration or answers to their questions being common issues. Pregnant persons and birth partners prefer clear explanations, simple communication, and involvement in decision-making. Exclusion from the decision-making during pregnancy and childbirth may lead to negative experiences, whilst involvement improves satisfaction, reduces distress and fosters empowerment.
Conclusions
The review highlights the importance of promoting SDM in maternity care, as it is fundamental to promoting maternal, newborn, and family well-being.
Practice implications
Health systems should redesign antenatal classes and train healthcare providers to enhance communication skills and encourage informed decision-making by pregnant persons and birth partners.
This umbrella review aimed to summarize evidence on pregnant persons and/or their birth partners' experiences and expectations of SDM during pregnancy and childbirth.
Methods
We searched eight databases from 2011 to 2023. Quantitative, qualitative and mixed methods systematic reviews were included in this review.
Results
We have identified 26 reviews that report on 622 primary studies involving over 213,000 pregnant persons and 22,000 birth partners, examining a broad range of decision-making scenarios in maternity care. The three-talk model was used to categorise the themes which include communication, weighing options, and making a decision. Multiple reviews have reported that pregnant persons and birth partners have mixed experiences in several decision-making scenarios, with insufficient information and inadequate consideration or answers to their questions being common issues. Pregnant persons and birth partners prefer clear explanations, simple communication, and involvement in decision-making. Exclusion from the decision-making during pregnancy and childbirth may lead to negative experiences, whilst involvement improves satisfaction, reduces distress and fosters empowerment.
Conclusions
The review highlights the importance of promoting SDM in maternity care, as it is fundamental to promoting maternal, newborn, and family well-being.
Practice implications
Health systems should redesign antenatal classes and train healthcare providers to enhance communication skills and encourage informed decision-making by pregnant persons and birth partners.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Article number | 107832 |
| Journal | Patient Education and Counseling |
| Volume | 114 |
| Issue number | 107832 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | E-pub ahead of print - Jun 2023 |
| Externally published | Yes |