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Addressing obstetricians’ awareness of compassion, communication, and self-care when caring for families experiencing stillbirth: Evaluation of a novel educational workshop using applied drama techniques

A novel educational workshop using applied drama techniques–developed collaboratively with diverse stakeholders, including people with lived experience–is an acceptable and appropriate way of training obstetricians in how to care for bereaved parents/to engage in self-care.

Authors

Karen McNamara, Marita Hennessy, Keelin O'Donoghue

Year
2022
Journal Name
PLOS One
Category
Journal Article
Keywords
Bereavement care, Impact, Stillbirth
Project

Impact of adverse perinatal events on healthcare professionals

Full Citation

McNamara K, Smith A, Shine B, Cregan M, Prihodova L, O'Shaughnessy A, Martin A, Macdonald J, Kingston P, Fitzpatrick C, Hennessy M, O'Donoghue K. (2022) Addressing obstetricians’ awareness of compassion, communication, and self-care when caring for families experiencing stillbirth: Evaluation of a novel educational workshop using applied drama techniques. PLOS One. 2022;17(11):e0277496. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0277496.

Link to Publication
https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0277496

Abstract

Obstetricians describe feeling shocked and isolated following stillbirth. Few receive adequate training in how to care for bereaved parents or themselves. We developed a novel workshop for trainee obstetricians using applied drama techniques–in collaboration with the National Theatre of Ireland, the national training body for obstetricians and gynaecologists, and patient support groups–to teach obstetricians skills in communication and self-care around the time of stillbirth. Five workshops, delivered January-May 2018, are the focus of this evaluation. 59 senior trainees in Obstetrics attended, and 39 of these (66%) completed a post-workshop evaluation questionnaire. Most had received no prior training in caring for families experiencing antenatal (31/39, 80%) or intrapartum (34/39, 87%) stillbirth. Following the workshop there was a significant improvement in trainee’s level of confidence in breaking bad news, communicating clearly with the family when breaking bad news, recognising the emotional needs of the family, recognising their own emotional responses, and supporting their colleagues. Trainees were positive about the workshop content and delivery; 90% stated they would recommend it to a colleague. Our findings demonstrate that this novel workshop is an acceptable and appropriate way of training obstetricians in how to care for bereaved parents and/or to engage in self-care.

Pregnancy Loss Research Group

Pregnancy Loss Research Group, Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, University College Cork, Fifth Floor, Cork University Maternity Hospital, Wilton, Cork, T12 YE02, Ireland,

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