Healthcare Providers’ Utilization of Nonpharmacological Methods in Managing Labor Pain: An Integrative Review
Loading...
Date
2024-09-07
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Pain Management Nursing
Abstract
Background: The management of labor pain is a critical aspect of maternal care, with implications for the
well-being of both the mother and the newborn. Nonpharmacological pain management (NPPM) offers a
safe and more accessible option to labor pain management in African healthcare settings.
Objective: This review aims to determine the facilitators of and barriers to using NPPM during labor
among healthcare professionals (HCPs) in Africa.
Methods: This integrative review was done using articles that focused on NPPM and published between
2013 and 2023. Databases searched include PubMed, CINAHL, SCOPUS, and EMBASE. Content analysis was
done independently by two reviewers using inductive coding to generate categories.
Findings: Three main themes emerged: Perceived barriers to the utilization of NPPM among HCPs, cate-
gories that emerged under this theme include lack of training, resource limitation, lack of priority, cultural
norms and beliefs, and lack of awareness. The second theme is potential facilitators to the utilization of
NPPM among HCP, the categories generated include healthcare provider’ knowledge, positive attitude of
healthcare providers, family support, infrastructure/working environment, experiences of HCPs, and client
preferences. The third theme that emerged is the most utilized methods of NPPM among HCPs, with
back massage and psychological support being the most used, whereas music and exercise were the least
NPPM methods used by HCPs.
Recommendations and implications for care: The findings from this study show that the attitudes and
knowledge of HCPs about NPPM can either be a facilitator or a barrier in its utilization. In the clinical
setting, HCPs need to be sensitized on the benefits of using these methods of pain management during
labor to encourage use. Interventions designed based on the findings from this study can promote a more
holistic approach to labor pain management in African healthcare settings.
Description
Keywords
Non-pharmacological Labor, Pain management, Nurses Africa
Citation
Abikou, L., Haruna, T., Duah, H. and Shidende, P., 2024. Healthcare Providers’ Utilization of Nonpharmacological Methods in Managing Labor Pain: An Integrative Review. Pain Management Nursing.