Clinical Research Directory

Contribution of Virtual Reality in the Management of Patients Undergoing Scheduled Cesarean Section - VR-SCS

Cesarean deliveries account for 20.7% of all deliveries in France, according to the latest perinatal survey. At Nice University Hospital, the C-section rate over the last 5 years is around 19%. Caesarean section patients are at greater risk of developing symptoms of anxiety, stress and depression. The post-operative period is also more painful, and there is a positive correlation between immediate post-operative pain and the risk of developing chronic pelvic pain. Numerous attempts to reduce these symptoms have been evaluated, including music therapy, relaxation techniques, acupressure and the use of preoperative melatonin. Virtual reality has demonstrated its effectiveness in reducing pain and anxiety in other disciplines, notably pediatric surgery and neurosurgery. In particular, several trials have demonstrated a reduction in anxiety in the paediatric population and, for pelvic procedures under local anaesthetic, during prostate biopsies or hysteroscopy in consultation, with a reduction in anxiety and pain respectively. It has been used to provide information by showing a film about the caesarean section procedure, and has been shown to be effective in terms of patient satisfaction, but without being able to demonstrate a significant reduction in anxiety (p=0.06). The use of virtual reality during the entire peri- and intra-operative management process (maternity stay, patient transfer to the operating room, locoregional anesthesia procedure and during the operation) has not been studied in the context of cesarean section.

Compassion-Based Breastfeeding Counseling and Its Effects on Self-Compassion, Mindful Breastfeeding, and Self-Efficacy

This randomized controlled trial aims to evaluate the effects of compassion-based breastfeeding counseling on self-compassion, mindful breastfeeding, and breastfeeding self-efficacy during the perinatal period. Pregnant women between 24-28 weeks of gestation who meet the eligibility criteria are enrolled. After obtaining informed consent, participants are randomly assigned to either the intervention or control group using simple randomization. The intervention group receives a total of 6 face-to-face compassion-based breastfeeding counseling sessions between 30-37 weeks of gestation, with follow-up counseling continued until 6 weeks postpartum. The control group receives only routine antenatal care with no additional intervention. Outcome measures are assessed at three time points: pretest (24-28 weeks of gestation), posttest (36-38 weeks of gestation), and follow-up (6 weeks postpartum). Instruments used include the Self-Compassion Scale, the Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale-Short Form, and the Mindful Breastfeeding Scale. The study is conducted at Iğdır Dr. Nevruz Erez State Hospital, Türkiye.

Perinatal Bereavement Counseling Training for Midwives

Perinatal bereavement is a condition that can lead to serious psychological problems for parents and their families. Bereaved women are at high risk of mental health problems (e.g. anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder and depression). They may also blame themselves and their bodies for the loss and feel inadequate. Inadequate support from their environment in this process may lead them to experience social isolation. Research highlights the impact of caring for bereaved parents on health professionals, and that inadequate training can have a negative impact. In this context, there is a need for well-structured and tailored training programmes that focus on the specific needs and skills required to provide appropriate bereavement care to parents experiencing pregnancy loss and perinatal death. In this context, this study was planned both to prepare a training programme with evidence of effectiveness and to investigate the effectiveness of perinatal bereavement counselling training for midwives.