Background: Coronavirus has placed a lot of strain on the healthcare system. As a result, major changes have occurred in the way healthcare is delivered, including pregnancy care delivery. Within the Irish healthcare system, the response to the COVID-19 pandemic has demanded frequent and ongoing adjustments to midwifery practice and the provision of personal protective equipment (PPE) and its usage have come under serious scrutiny during the COVID-19 pandemic. Aim: To explore midwives experiences of utilising PPE during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: A qualitative descriptive study utilising a purposive sampling of 10 midwives who participated in in-depth semi-structured interviews, highlighting their experiences of utilising PPE during the COVID-19 pandemic. Data obtained was analysed using the Braun and Clarkes framework and reported in line with the consolidated criteria for qualitative research reporting (COREQ). Results: Analysed data resulted in five themes, eight subthemes and 18 codes. The themes identified represent the participants experiences and highlight the; importance of effective communication, fear and anxiety of contracting and spreading the virus, value of peer support as a coping strategy, impact of lack of resources in the midwifery practice, and education and training effectiveness. Conclusion: The introduced strict mandatory infection prevention and control measures, predominantly the wearing of PPE, took effect with concurrent increased stress and anxiety, while caring for pregnant women.
Background Correct use of personal protective equipment is vital to minimise the risk of patients acquiring healthcare-associated infections. These measures are also important in preventing exposure to occupational infection. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the use of personal protective equipment was associated with anxiety, uncertainty and additional training requirements. This study investigated midwives’ experiences using personal protective equipment during the pandemic. Methods This systematic scoping review searched seven academic databases and grey literature. Data analysis was conducted using a thematic analysis framework. Results A total of 16 studies were included. Four themes were found: ‘fear and anxiety’, ‘personal protective equipment/resources’, ‘education and training needs’ and ‘communication’. Conclusions Management and administration inconsistences, logistical issues and lack of training on personal protective equipment led to midwives’ negative feedback. A gap has been identified in the exploration of midwives’ experiences as personal protective equipment end-users during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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