Obstetric nursing focuses on patient-centered care, a critical Quality and Safety Education for Nurses (QSEN) competency. Patient-centered care in obstetric nursing implies providing healthcare practices to address exclusive requirements of women in pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum periods. The components of patient-centered care (PCC) include respectful and effective communication, joint decision-making, and a collaborative healthcare atmosphere. This paper presents three examples relevant to using patient-centered care in obstetrics.
Application of QSEN Competency in Obstetric Nursing
Antenatal Care
Patient-centered care in obstetric nursing interventions during prenatal visits will increase positive and empowering outcomes for pregnant mothers. Studies indicate nurses can promote patient-centered care through open and respectful discussions (Dong et al., 2021). The obstetric nurses directly contact the patients and communicate about their health. Therefore, they can identify and discuss any pregnancy issues that require attention. For instance, nurses ask patients about their preferred birthing plan and pain control during prenatal visits. Furthermore, the healthcare team must discuss issues of pain relief during labor. Therefore, the patient can say what they want, whatever it is: natural methods or epidural. This participation in the decision-making process educates a patient because it guarantees that all selected options are derived from her values and preferences.
Patient-centered care occurs through the collaborative building of a personalized plan for care. According to Winfield & Booker (2021) each woman and her family is unique with different needs, past experiences, hopes and dreams. Therefore, this must be considered within the Personalized Care and Support Plans (PCSPs), which detail support throughout pregnancy, childbirth, and after birth. Obstetric nurses work with the mothers to create a customized prenatal care plan that includes medical history, lifestyle, and cultural preferences. For example, if a patient says she wants to take a more holistic approach to her pregnancy, perhaps intending to use alternative therapies or specialized dietary guidelines.
Understanding patient-centered care’s influence on maternal satisfaction and outcomes is exceptional. Participation in decision-making by expectant mothers helps them feel they have control and ownership of their healthcare journey (Winfield & Booker.,2021). This factor enhances satisfaction with the care provided. Total maternal satisfaction is not only essential for the general condition of a patient, but it also correlates favorably with patients’ adherence to prenatal care recommendations and guidelines.
Labor and Delivery
Obstetric nurses occupy pivotal roles in the dynamic labor and delivery environment where patient wishes are incorporated to create a secure ambiance that meets patients’ needs. Studies indicate that a TeamBirth model where patients are considered the “team captain” and the main decision-makers is essential in labor and delivery (Johnson et al., 2023). A pregnant mother’s characteristics and aspirations are considered by obstetric nurses, being a multisectoral approach. Labor nurses are keen on and respect patients’ wishes. This action should involve a discussion of different postures during birth, pain control options, and the atmosphere in the labor room. For instance, some patients may have to be in an environment with minimal lights and noise, while others require a loud talking approach. Obstetric nurses collaborate with patients to get a birth plan that accommodates an individual and comfortable process.
The vital communication strategies help improve patient-centered care delivery. The Person-centered care communication continuum should guide nurses working in the obstetric clinics. This model advocates for communication that considers the activity, process, and person involved in a nursing activity to promote effective decision-making (Kwame & Petrucka, 2021). In person-centered care, healthcare workers should consider the views and preferences of a woman scheduled for delivery. Therefore, continuous discussion about the labor process, explanations for interventions, and addressing any issues that aid in creating an impression that all parties are fully engaged in decision-making is essential.
Obstetric nurses use different forms of communication in the delivery room to improve care. These forms of communication include actively listening to the patient’s wants, giving them hope and reassurance, and explaining necessary procedures (Kwame & Petrucka, 2021). Moreover, non-verbal communication, like keeping eye contact and using supportive gestures, helps establish a positive and patient-centered environment. This action ensures that the expectant mother feels appreciated and heard and can closely participate during the critical moments of labor and delivery.
Obstetric interventions during labor will significantly rely on shared decision-making. Obstetric nurses discuss with the patients cooperatively about possible alternative procedures like using forceps, vacuum extraction, or even a cesarean section. This joint decision-making approach includes outlining the risks and benefits of all choices, considering the patient’s desires, and agreeing on what should be done next.
Postpartum Care
To help new mothers adjust to their new roles as mothers and parents, obstetric nurses should provide patient-centered care postpartum. Obstetrical nurses provide personalized postpartum treatment that addresses the social and psychological needs of new mothers during this period. The obstetric nurse offers a compelling experience by listening to the patient, communicating clearly, and engaging the patient in decision-making. The ability to teach nurses to deliver personalized, high-quality treatment is why QSEN competency is critical to fostering patient-centered care (Cengiz & Yoder, 2020). As a means for promoting comprehensive patient-centered practices, which will, in turn, lead to enhanced maternal satisfaction, health outcomes, and general well-being, it is essential to consider the significance of QSEN expertise in nursing practice, particularly in obstetrical care.
Care that revolves around the patient during the postpartum period has substantial benefits in the long run. Women who receive personalized and supportive care are more likely to adhere to postpartum care guidelines that promote physical recovery and reduce risks associated with postpartum problems. These aspects boost maternal satisfaction since they help mothers feel heard and understood and give them confidence in the postpartum journey. The patient-centered postpartum care allows newborns and their mothers to form a strong connection. By attending to pregnant women’s social and psychological requirements, obstetric nurses contribute to developing a positive environment favorable to the bond between mother and child.
References
Cengiz, A., & Yoder, L. H. (2020). Assessing nursing students’ perceptions of the QSEN competencies: A systematic review of the literature with implications for academic programs. Worldviews on Evidence-Based Nursing, 17(4), 275-282. https://doi.org/10.1111/wvn.12458
Dong, K., Jameel, B., & Gagliardi, A. R. (2021). How is patient‐centred care conceptualized in obstetrical health? comparison of themes from concept analyses in obstetrical health‐ and patient‐centred care. Health Expectations, 25(3), 823-839. https://doi.org/10.1111/hex.13434
Johnson, C. M., Renner, L., Neergheen, V. L., Chien, A., & Weiseth, A. (2023). Implementing shared decision making in labor and delivery: TeamBirth is a model for person-centered birthing care. OBG Management, 35(9). https://doi.org/10.12788/obgm.0311
Kwame, A., & Petrucka, P. M. (2021). A literature-based study of patient-centered care and communication in nurse-patient interactions: Barriers, facilitators, and the way forward. BMC Nursing, 20(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12912-021-00684-2
Winfield, S., & Booker, M. (2021). Personalised care in maternity. British Journal of Midwifery, 29(8), 472-474. https://doi.org/10.12968/bjom.2021.29.8.472
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