Experiences of primary care physicians managing postpartum care: a qualitative research study

BMC Family Practice

Li Ping Ang¹  Zhimin Poon¹  Esther Cui Wei Lee¹  Ngiap Chuan Tan² 

[1] SingHealth Polyclinics, 167, Jalan Bukit Merah, Connection One, Tower 5, #15-10, 150167, Singapore, Singapore;SingHealth Polyclinics, 167, Jalan Bukit Merah, Connection One, Tower 5, #15-10, 150167, Singapore, Singapore;SingHealth-Duke NUS Family Medicine Academic Clinical Program, Singapore, Singapore;

关键词: Primary care physician;    Postpartum care;    Mother;    Healthcare system;   

DOI  :  10.1186/s12875-021-01494-w

来源: Springer

【 摘 要 】

BackgroundThe postpartum period is redefined as 12 weeks following childbirth. Primary care physicians (PCP) often manage postpartum women in the community after uneventful childbirths. Postpartum care significantly impacts on the maternal and neonatal physical and mental health. However, evidence has revealed unmet needs in postpartum maternal care.AimThe study aimed to explore the experiences of PCPs in managing postpartum mothers.MethodsFour focus group discussions and eleven in-depth interviews with twenty-nine PCPs were conducted in this qualitative research study in urban Singapore. PCPs of both gender and variable postgraduate training background were purposively enrolled. Audited transcripts were independently coded by two investigators. Thematic content analysis was performed using the codes to identify issues in the “clinician”, “mother”, “postpartum care” and “healthcare system & policy” domains stipulated in “The Generalists’ Wheel of Knowledge, Understanding and Inquiry” framework.FindingsPCPs’ personal attributes such as gender and knowledge influenced their postpartum care delivery. Prior training, child caring experience and access to resource materials contributed to their information mastery of postpartum care. Their professional relationship with local multi-ethic and multi-lingual Asian mothers was impacted by their mutual communication, language compatibility and understanding of local confinement practices. Consultation time constraint, awareness of community postnatal services and inadequate handover of care from the specialists hindered PCPs in the healthcare system.DiscussionPersonal, maternal and healthcare system barriers currently prevent PCPs from delivering optimal postpartum care.ConclusionInterventions to overcome the barriers to improve postpartum care will likely be multi-faceted across domains discussed.

【 授权许可】

CC BY