Postpartum women’s psychological experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic: a modified recurrent cross-sectional thematic analysis

Abstract Background COVID-19 has placed additional stressors on mothers during an already vulnerable lifecourse transition. Initial social distancing restrictions (Timepoint 1; T1) and initial changes to those social distancing restrictions (Timepoint 2; T2) have disrupted postpartum access to practical and emotional support. This qualitative study explores the postpartum psychological experiences of UK women during different phases of the COVID-19 pandemic and associated ‘lockdowns’. Methods Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 12 women, approximately 30 days after initial social distancing guidelines were imposed in the UK (22 April 2020). A separate 12 women were interviewed approximately 30 days after the initial easing of social distancing restrictions (10 June 2020). Data were transcribed verbatim, uploaded into NVivo for management and analysis, which followed a recurrent cross-sectional approach to thematic analysis. Results Two main themes were identified for T1: ‘Motherhood is Much Like Lockdown’ and ‘A Self-Contained Family Unit’. Each main T1 theme contained two sub-themes. Two main themes were also identified for T2: ‘Incongruously Held Views of COVID-19’ and ‘Mothering Amidst the Pandemic’. Each main T2 theme contained three sub-themes. Comparisons between data gathered at each timepoint identified increased emotional distress over time. Current findings call for the improvement of postpartum care by improving accessibility to social support, and prioritising the re-opening of schools, and face-to-face healthcare appointments and visitation. Conclusion Social distancing restrictions associated with COVID-19 have had a cumulative, negative effect on postpartum mental health. Recommendations such as: Allowing mothers to ‘bubble’ with a primary support provider even at their healthcare appointments; allowing one support partner to attend all necessary healthcare appointments; and providing tailored informational resources, may help to support postpartum emotional wellbeing during this, and similar health crises in the future.

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Talking about smoking cessation with postnatal women: exploring midwives' experiences

British Journal of Midwifery ◽

10.12968/bjom.2019.27.12.760 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 27 (12) ◽

pp. 760-766

Author(s):

Rhona Reardon ◽

Sarah Grogan

Keyword(s):

Smoking Cessation ◽

Thematic Analysis ◽

Healthcare Professionals ◽

Structured Interviews ◽

Face To Face ◽

Family Approach ◽

Stop Smoking ◽

Postnatal Women ◽

The Uk

This study explores midwives' experiences of talking to postnatal women about smoking cessation. Face-to-face, semi-structured interviews were held with seven midwives based in the UK. Thematic analysis identified themes which provided understanding as to factors determining discussion of smoking cessation. Six themes were identified, namely postnatal women factors, midwife factors, providing information, involving others, priorities, and whole family approach. Implications for midwives working with postnatal women are discussed, including the need to increase the involvement of other healthcare professionals in supporting postnatal women to stop smoking.

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A study to evaluate the provision of psychosocial supervision within an Early Intervention team

The Cognitive Behaviour Therapist ◽

10.1017/s1754470x1000005x ◽

2010 ◽

Vol 3 (2) ◽

pp. 58-70 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Sandra T. Neil ◽

Sarah Nothard ◽

David Glentworth ◽

Elaine Stewart

Keyword(s):

Early Intervention ◽

Thematic Analysis ◽

Psychosocial Interventions ◽

Descriptive Statistics ◽

Early Interventions ◽

Structured Interviews ◽

Team Members ◽

Different Types ◽

Intervention Team ◽

The Uk

AbstractPsychosocial Interventions (PSIs) and PSI supervision underpin the delivery of early interventions for people experiencing psychosis. Early Intervention (EI) teams are relatively new in the NHS and there is currently a lack of empirical research into PSI supervision in this area. This study aimed to elicit staff views of PSI supervision and to identify any unmet supervision needs within a newly developed EI team in the UK. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 16 multidisciplinary team members. Descriptive statistics and a thematic analysis were used to analyse the responses. The different types of supervision available to team members, gaps in the provision of PSI supervision and aspects that supervisees found helpful and unhelpful about PSI supervision are discussed as are ideas for improving the provision of PSI supervision in EI teams. The limitations of the study and ideas for further research are also outlined.

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How did Autistic Children, and their Parents, Experience School Transition during the COVID-19 Pandemic?

10.31234/osf.io/8kzsn ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Aimee Code ◽

Umar Toseeb ◽

Kathryn Asbury ◽

Laura Fox

Keyword(s):

School Transition ◽

School Closure ◽

School Transitions ◽

Autistic Children ◽

Structured Interviews ◽

School Closures ◽

Social Distancing ◽

New School ◽

The Uk ◽

The Impact

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and resultant school closures, social distancing measures, and restrictions placed on routine activities, the start of the academic year in September 2020 was a unique time for those transitioning to a new school. This study aimed to explore the experiences of parents who supported autistic children making a school transition in 2020, and to examine what impact parents perceived the COVID-19 pandemic had on their child’s school transition. Emphasis was placed on identifying facilitating factors that had benefitted school transitions, and barriers, which had negatively impacted these experiences. Semi-structured interviews were carried out with 13 parents of autistic children in the UK. Reflexive thematic analysis was carried out to identify themes in interview data. Parents reported a variety of experiences, and factors that were perceived as facilitatory to some were observed to be barriers by others. For some parents, the COVID-19 pandemic negatively impacted aspects of school transitions. For example, school closure in March 2020, being unable to visit their child’s new school, and social distancing measures were discussed as being barriers to an easy transition. However, other parents identified these factors as being facilitatory for their child or reported that these circumstances created opportunities to approach the school transition in a unique, improved manner. This paper sheds light on the heterogeneity of experiences and perceptions of parents of autistic children, and highlights the need to examine the impact of COVID-19 on school transitions, including practices which may be advantageous to retain.

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110 Participants and Volunteer Host Experiences of First Steps Course for Those Newly Diagnosed with Parkinson’s: A Qualitative Study

Age and Ageing ◽

10.1093/ageing/afz197 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 49 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. i37-i37

Author(s):

E R Bodger ◽

K Ibrahim ◽

H C Roberts

Keyword(s):

Information Support ◽

Newly Diagnosed ◽

Clinical Environment ◽

Structured Interviews ◽

Face To Face ◽

Lack Of Information ◽

Lack Of Control ◽

The Uk ◽

And Control

Abstract Introduction People with Parkinson’s (PwP) and their caregivers often report poor diagnosis experiences and a lack of information, support and control over Parkinson’s. First Steps is a two-day course delivered by volunteers with Parkinson’s, which aims to help those newly diagnosed and their caregivers face the future positively and take control of Parkinson’s. This study aimed to capture the views and experiences of participants and volunteer hosts of First Steps, and evaluate if it meets those aims. Methods Using purposive sampling, twelve participants comprising four PwP, five caregivers and three volunteer hosts were recruited. Face-to-face, semi-structured interviews were conducted, audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed thematically. Results Course participants found First Steps informative, supportive, and helpful in feeling more positive about Parkinson’s. Participants were reassured by the hosts having Parkinson’s, despite prior concerns regarding seeing people who might have more advanced Parkinson’s. Some found First Steps more relatable than other support services and reported that the course complemented clinician-led courses as the content was aimed at caregivers as well as PwP, with variation in information delivery techniques. Among the PwP and caregivers, two thirds reported a lack of control over Parkinson’s and some felt First Steps had improved their control. Hosts felt they had control over Parkinson’s and perceived their role to be both challenging and rewarding. Conclusions First Steps was perceived as a helpful course, offering information and support for those newly diagnosed and their caregivers in a positive and non-clinical environment. Volunteer hosts felt more control over Parkinson’s than other participants, but there was evidence that the course helped some experience more control. Suggested course improvements included: additions to the presentation content with more emphasis on taking control, and offering group follow up sessions. This will inform current expansion across the UK.

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Motivators of MBWA and Communicational Factors behind Them: A Case Study on a Korean Shipyard

Journal of Open Innovation Technology Market and Complexity ◽

10.3390/joitmc4030029 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 4 (3) ◽

pp. 29

Author(s):

Yeo Kwon ◽

Hun Park ◽

Hyuk Hahn ◽

Ilhyung Lee ◽

Taehoon Kwon

Keyword(s):

Thematic Analysis ◽

Management Strategy ◽

Structured Interviews ◽

Senior Managers ◽

Face To Face ◽

Upward Communication ◽

Organizational Theories ◽

Management By Walking Around ◽

Research Analysis

This study was conducted with a team of senior managers at a Korean shipyard in an effort to elicit particular motivators for implementing management by walking around (MBWA). To identify the key motivators and communication issues associated with them, a theoretical framework was produced based on the key tensions of social psychology of communication and upward communication as well as modern organizational theories. For this qualitative research analysis, 12 semi-structured interviews were conducted face-to-face with the executives; the data were then supplemented by five field observations during MBWAs at the shipyard. Coding frame was used to organize modal salient themes for thematic analysis. The organizational and individual motivators identified were then analyzed in-depth to elicit communicational factors underlying these motivators. While identifying 10 salient motivators as organizing themes, the research concludes that MBWA is a contingent management strategy intended to promote upward communication within organizations.

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Student paramedics' views on placements in general practice as part of a degree

Journal of Paramedic Practice ◽

10.12968/jpar.2019.11.12.519 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 11 (12) ◽

pp. 519-525

Author(s):

Alyesha Proctor

Keyword(s):

Primary Care ◽

General Practice ◽

Care Pathway ◽

Structured Interviews ◽

Learning And Development ◽

Alternative Care ◽

Face To Face ◽

The Uk ◽

University Degree

Background: Frontline paramedics are increasingly attending to non-emergency problems and calls that could be managed by a primary care provider. Alongside this, there is a growing pressure to manage patients at home or use an alternative care pathway and reduce hospital conveyance. Student paramedic training, including both placement and taught elements at university, should therefore reflect this. However, placement opportunities for student paramedics in primary care settings is variable across the UK. Aim: To explore student paramedics' views on incorporating a placement within general practice as part of their degree and its effects on their learning and development as an autonomous paramedic. Method: A small pedagogic study as part of a postgraduate certificate in academic practice for higher education, involving a case study, qualitative approach using face-to-face, semi-structured interviews and thematic analysis, was carried out. Findings: Student paramedics feel that incorporating a placement in general practice as part of their degree will significantly help in their learning and development as autonomous paramedics. Specifically, they feel it: will help them understand the role of the GP and what the GP expects of them; will help them to focus their assessments and improve confidence in decisions not to convey patients; may lead to better knowledge of alternative care pathways; and, finally, may provide an insight into the role of the paramedic in general practice as a future career opportunity. There are a few reservations about whether students would be able to use the skills and knowledge gained in this setting, as they feel they do not have access to the tools or the authority in a frontline ambulance service. Students would prefer to have a placement in a GP surgery in the final year of their university degree. Conclusion: Placement within a GP surgery for student paramedics should be included as part of a paramedic science degree as a priority. This is necessary, particularly given the changing role of the contemporary paramedic who attends to non-emergency problems.

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Patient use of blood pressure self-screening facilities in general practice waiting rooms: a qualitative study in the UK

British Journal of General Practice ◽

10.3399/bjgp17x690881 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 67 (660) ◽

pp. e467-e473 ◽

Cited By ~ 7

Author(s):

Alice C Tompson ◽

Sabrina Grant ◽

Sheila M Greenfield ◽

Richard J McManus ◽

Susannah Fleming ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Blood Pressure ◽

Qualitative Study ◽

Ease Of Use ◽

Structured Interviews ◽

Waiting Room ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

History Of ◽

The Uk ◽

Patient Use ◽

At Home

BackgroundBlood pressure (BP) self-screening, whereby members of the public have access to BP monitoring equipment outside of healthcare consultations, may increase the detection and treatment of hypertension. Currently in the UK such opportunities are largely confined to GP waiting rooms.AimTo investigate the reasons why people do or do not use BP self-screening facilities.Design and settingA cross-sectional, qualitative study in Oxfordshire, UK.MethodSemi-structured interviews with members of the general public recruited using posters in GP surgeries and community locations were recorded, transcribed, and coded thematically.ResultsOf the 30 interviewees, 20% were hypertensive and almost half had self-screened. Those with no history of elevated readings had limited concern over their BP: self-screening filled the time waiting for their appointment or was done to help their doctor. Patients with hypertension self-screened to avoid the feelings they associated with ‘white coat syndrome’ and to introduce more control into the measurement process. Barriers to self-screening included a lack of awareness, uncertainty about technique, and worries over measuring BP in a public place. An unanticipated finding was that several interviewees preferred monitoring their BP in the waiting room than at home.ConclusionBP self-screening appeared acceptable to service users. Further promotion and education could increase awareness among non-users of the need for BP screening, the existence of self-screening facilities, and its ease of use. Waiting room monitors could provide an alternative for patients with hypertension who are unwilling or unable to monitor at home.

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Emotional distress and well-being among people with motor neurone disease (MND) and their family caregivers: a qualitative interview study

BMJ Open ◽

10.1136/bmjopen-2020-044724 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (8) ◽

pp. e044724

Author(s):

Cathryn Pinto ◽

Adam W A Geraghty ◽

Lucy Yardley ◽

Laura Dennison

Keyword(s):

Emotional Distress ◽

Well Being ◽

Motor Neurone ◽

Motor Neurone Disease ◽

Psychological Interventions ◽

Structured Interviews ◽

Face To Face ◽

Qualitative Interview Study ◽

The Uk ◽

Broad Understanding

ObjectiveWe aimed to get an in-depth understanding of the emotions experienced by people with motor neurone disease (MND) and their caregivers, and to explore what impacts emotional distress and well-being.DesignQualitative study using semi-structured interviews with people with MND and caregivers.SettingParticipants were recruited from across the UK and took part in interviews conducted either face to face, by telephone or email to accommodate for varying levels of disability.Participants25 people with MND and 10 caregivers took part. Participants were purposively sampled based on their MND diagnosis, symptoms and time since diagnosis.Data analysisData were analysed using inductive reflexive thematic analysis.ResultsEight broad themes were generated (20 subthemes). Participants described the emotional distress of losing physical function and having a threatened future because of poor prognosis. Keeping up with constant changes in symptoms and feeling unsupported by the healthcare system added to emotional distress. Finding hope and positivity, exerting some control, being kinder to oneself and experiencing support from others were helpful strategies for emotional well-being.ConclusionThe study provides a broad understanding of what impacts emotional distress and well-being and discusses implications for psychological interventions for people with MND and caregivers. Any communication and support provided for people with MND and their caregivers, needs to pay attention to concepts of hope, control and compassion.

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Exploring the Mental Health and Wellbeing Needs of Workers in the UK Automotive Industry

International Journal Of Management and Applied Research ◽

10.18646/2056.61.19-001 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 6 (1) ◽

pp. 1-23

Author(s):

Samantha Gellatly

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Health And Safety ◽

Working Hours ◽

Well Being ◽

Automotive Sector ◽

Structured Interviews ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Health And Wellbeing ◽

Employee Wellbeing ◽

The Uk

The purpose of this research was to explore the mental health and wellbeing needs of employees in the automotive sector, to understand the types of initiatives these employees would appreciate and how to promote them effectively. The research was approached with an exploratory, qualitative design. The collection of employee knowledge and opinion was undertaken utilising in-depth and semi structured interviews with a small cross-sectional group of employees. The main findings from the research showed that mental health presenteeism and leaveism are commonly occurring. It was found that individual understanding of well-being differed due to conflicting terminology and that where the company excelled in the areas of health and safety employees experienced unhappiness with working hours, work life balance and pay and reward. Research of this scope was original to the company and the automotive sector thus providing great insight. These employees showed there was less need for complex well-being programmes and that there was a keenness for mental health to be recognised and discussed more to help diminish the attached stigma. This research also questions: who is really best suited to support employee wellbeing? Whilst research highlights the importance of managers in this process, it also confirms, as with this study, that they are the employees with the worst wellbeing and therefore unlikely to be those best suited to provide this support. If managers wellbeing is not boosted it is unlikely that they can bring about desired improvements and bridging this gap requires future consideration.

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Development of the Emotional Wellbeing at Work Virtual Programme to support UK health visiting teams

Journal of Health Visiting ◽

10.12968/johv.2020.8.12.516 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 8 (12) ◽

pp. 516-522

Author(s):

Sharin Baldwin ◽

Rachel Stephen ◽

Philippa Bishop ◽

Patricia Kelly

Keyword(s):

Service Delivery ◽

Personal Protective Equipment ◽

Rapid Change ◽

Evaluation Process ◽

Protective Equipment ◽

Emotional Wellbeing ◽

Face To Face ◽

Health Visitors ◽

The Uk ◽

The Way

The Covid-19 pandemic has changed the way in which health visiting services are delivered in the UK. Health visitors are now having to work more remotely, with virtual methods for service delivery as well as using personal protective equipment where face-to-face contacts are necessary. This rapid change has resulted in many health visiting staff working under greater levels of pressure, feeling isolated, anxious and unsettled. This article discusses a virtual programme that has been funded by the RCN Foundation and developed by the Institute of Health Visiting to support the emotional wellbeing of health visiting teams in the UK. It outlines the background to the project, the theoretical underpinnings to inform the programme model and the evaluation process that will be used to further refine the programme before wider implementation.

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