Practical experience in perineal protection and assessment by midwives in general hospitals: a qualitative study
10.3760/cma.j.cn115682-20241219-06969
- VernacularTitle:综合性医院助产士会阴保护与评估实践体验的质性研究
- Author:
Hanmei ZHANG
1
;
Xueqin LIU
;
Mei HUANG
;
Yong WANG
;
Xiaoqin WANG
;
Lihua ZHOU
Author Information
1. 安徽医科大学第一附属医院高新院区妇产科，合肥 230088
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
Nurse midwives;
Perineal protection;
Perineal assessment;
Qualitative research
- From:
Chinese Journal of Modern Nursing
2025;31(30):4087-4092
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
Abstract:
Objective:To explore the practical experience in perineal protection and assessment by midwives in general hospitals, so as to provide reference for further reducing the episiotomy rate for non-medical indications.Methods:From December 2021 to January 2022, applying a phenomenological research methodology, 14 midwives from four general hospitals in Anhui Province were selected through purposive sampling combined with maximum difference sampling for semi-structured interviews. Colaizzi 7-step analysis method was used to summarize, analyze and refine themes.Results:Three themes and 10 sub-themes were extracted, namely the motivation for perineal protection (policy orientation, reduction of childbirth injuries, maternal needs), decision-making factors for perineal protection (maternal and infant safety, maternal perineal condition, work experience, work environment, maternal cooperation), and techniques for perineal protection (patience, controlling the speed of fetal head delivery) .Conclusions:Midwives' perineal protection and assessment practices are influenced by multiple factors. Hospital administrators are advised to enhance midwife training, establish system processes to reduce perineal injuries, unify perineal assessment standards, and rationally control episiotomy rates while fully prioritizing the maternal and infant safety.
