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Postnatal Debriefing After Adverse Obstetric Events
Sponsor: Parc de Salut Mar
Summary
Adverse or unexpected obstetric events can negatively affect women's psychological well-being and childbirth experience, increasing the risk of postpartum traumatic stress. However, structured postnatal debriefing is not routinely implemented in clinical practice, and evidence regarding its effectiveness remains limited. This study aims to evaluate the effect of a structured postnatal debriefing conducted within the first 24 hours after childbirth in women who have experienced an adverse or unexpected obstetric event. This quasi-experimental pretest-posttest study will include two consecutive groups: a control group receiving usual postpartum care during the pre-implementation phase and an intervention group receiving structured postnatal debriefing during the implementation phase. The primary outcome is childbirth-related trauma at 6 weeks postpartum. Secondary outcomes include birth satisfaction, early post-traumatic stress symptoms, satisfaction with information and emotional support received after childbirth, and clinical maternal and neonatal outcomes. This study will provide evidence on whether structured postnatal debriefing improves psychological outcomes and contributes to more patient-centered obstetric care.
Official title: Effect of a Structured Postnatal Debriefing on Psychological Outcomes and Birth Experience in Women After Adverse or Unexpected Obstetric Events
Key Details
Gender
FEMALE
Age Range
18 Years - Any
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
142
Start Date
2026-10
Completion Date
2029-01
Last Updated
2026-06-25
Healthy Volunteers
No
Conditions
Interventions
Structured Postnatal Debriefing
A structured postnatal debriefing session conducted within the first 24 hours postpartum by a senior obstetrician and the midwife responsible for the woman's care. The session takes place in the maternity ward room, in a private and supportive environment, and may include a companion chosen by the woman if she wishes. The intervention includes a structured clinical explanation of events, emotional validation, and an opportunity for the woman to ask questions and express her experience.
Usual Care
Participants receive routine postpartum care according to standard clinical practice. This may include routine clinical follow-up and non-structured explanations regarding the obstetric event when considered necessary by healthcare professionals.