https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/39703 2026-04-10T07:56:14Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/40769 Title: Parents’ views on neonatal care provided in an intensive care unit with an open ward setting Abstract: The aim of this study was to identify parents’ views on having an infant being cared for in an open ward setting of a neonatal unit. The objectives were to assess parents’ perceptions of the advantages and drawbacks of having an open ward setting in a neonatal intensive care unit and to identify parents’ views on the communication received from midwives and nurses in such a setting. The study was also interested in investigating parents’ experiences of relating to their infant in an open ward setting of a neonatal unit and in identifying parents’ views on the level of comfort and privacy offered in this setting. A quantitative approach was adopted and data was gathered through the use of a structured, selfreport questionnaire designed specifically for the study. The response rate achieved was that of 84%, representing a convenience sample of 42 parents, mothers and fathers. Data was analysed manually using descriptive statistics and through content analysis. Findings indicated that parents often felt overwhelmed and scared when initially entering the open ward setting of the neonatal unit, but the setting also gave them a sense of safety. Communication between nurses/midwives and parents in this setting was generally felt to be satisfactory, although weaknesses were identified in terms of parental ability to ask questions, and to receive detailed responses. Although overall parents felt that they were able to build a close bond with their infant while at the neonatal and paediatrics intensive care unit, they identified challenges associated with this, including the visiting hours, which were viewed as restrictive at times. Comfort and privacy were also considered to be somewhat compromised in the open ward setting, particularly during breastfeeding, given the close proximity to other families. However, being able to easily meet others who were in a similar situation to their own was considered an advantage of the open ward setting, together with the availability of numerous nurses/midwives. Recommendations for practice, education and further research were proposed, including measures such as the introduction of privacy screens whilst breastfeeding and the use of private rooms for discussions about infant condition, so as to enhance parents’ comfort and privacy whilst visiting their baby within the open ward setting of the neonatal unit. Description: B.SC.(HONS)MIDWIFERY 2018-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/40656 Title: Noise exposure on preterm infants in the Neonatal Unit : neonatal staff awareness Abstract: Infants born prior to term gestation are often admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit [NICU] in view of their increased risk of morbidity and mortality. The presence of technological resources and on-going staff activity, often characterise such unit with loud ambient noise. Evidence-based research has verified several implications of noise exposure on the well- being of preterm infants. Thus, the implementation of noise-reducing measures has proven to be a vital aspect in reducing stress on hospitalised neonates. The aim of this study was to explore local neonatal staff awareness of noise exposure on preterm infants in the neonatal unit. The objectives of this research project were to: assess the recognition of midwives and nurses on Sound Pressure Levels [SPLs] in the neonatal unit, investigate the perceived factors contributing to noise levels in the Neonatal Paediatric Intensive Care Unit [NPICU], identify the knowledge of midwives and nurses of the effects of noise exposure on preterm infants and explore the attitudes and practices of midwives and nurses in relation to noise-reducing measures. A quantitative approach utilising a self-administered questionnaire, was adopted. A sample of fifty midwives and nurses working in the NPICU at the state hospital were selected through convenience sampling, generating a response rate of 86% (n = 43). Collected data was analysed manually and presented in the form of calculated percentages, diagrammatic representations and tables. Findings revealed that although local neonatal staff were not familiar with the recommended sound limit in the neonatal unit, perceived noise levels were comparable to those mentioned in similar studies overseas. While various elements in the NPICU were believed to elevate SPLs at different degrees, the perceived highest and lowest noise-contributing factors were further identified. Although midwives and nurses were knowledgeable of several effects of noise exposure on preterm infants, staff awareness was lacking when certain aspects of physiological response and long-term neurodevelopment were addressed. Moreover, participants’ attitudes towards the efficacy and implementation of noise-reducing measures did not correlate with local practices in the NPICU. For this reason, various recommendations for clinical practice, education and further research were proposed in accordance to the conclusions of this study. The importance of increasing neonatal staff awareness through training and education was highlighted together with the need for establishment of a written noise control protocol. Description: B.SC.(HONS)MIDWIFERY 2018-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/40642 Title: Compassion in midwifery : midwives' perspective Abstract: Compassion is widely known as the "art of being professional and human‟, and it is considered to be a desirable quality in midwifery care. Although midwives do practice compassionate care in their clinical encounters with women, yet the concept of compassion is poorly defined and understood by midwives. Midwives are aware of workplace stresses but few relate this to compassion fatigue, missing out on recognising symptoms of compassion fatigue and identifying prevention strategies to overcome it. Hence, the aim of this study is to delve into midwives perspectives on the concept of compassion, with the objective to analyse the concept and identify the elements comprising compassion. At the same time, the causes, indicators and preventative strategies of compassion fatigue as perceived by local midwives are explored. A qualitative approach was chosen for this study using a self designed face to face interview. Eight Maltese midwives, were recruited by convenience sampling from the maternity wards at the local state hospital; achieving a 100% response rate. Data was analysed through content thematic analysis using the Braun & Clarke (2006) framework. The study findings revealed that midwives perceived compassion as being a broad term that encompasses several attributes, and rightly defined the concept of compassion. Although, compassion fatigue was not clearly understood by participants, these midwives were aware of the ill effects of this problem proposing preventative strategies as identified in the literature. Recommendations for clinical practice, education and research are proposed to enhance the importance and significance of compassion in the midwifery profession. Description: B.SC.(HONS)MIDWIFERY 2018-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/40640 Title: Midwives’ experiences of breaking bad news to mothers at the birth of an infant with congenital anomalies Abstract: The role of the midwife in breaking bad news (BBN) to mothers at the birth of an infant with a congenital anomaly is anticipated as being stressful for both the midwife and the parents, as it is a unique moment in life where an assemblage of happiness from giving birth and great sadness from the unexpected news is experienced. The aim of this study is to explore the midwives’ experiences of BBN at birth, when the infant has a congenital defect. The objectives of this study are to explore the midwives’ competence (knowledge, skills and attitudes) of BBN to mothers at the birth of an infant with a congenital anomaly; to identify procedures carried out by the midwife when BBN; and to explore the midwives’ own emotional impact when coping with such situations. In order to fulfil the aim of this research study, a qualitative approach was adopted using self-designed, face-to-face semi-structured interviews. A target population of ten midwives, working at the delivery suite in the local general hospital were chosen by convenience sampling. A response rate of 100% was achieved. The interview recordings were transcribed via verbatim transcription and data was analysed by thematic content analysis, as described by the framework by Braun and Clarke (2006). The findings of this study demonstrate that the midwives’ competence in BBN is varied. The main challenges faced by midwives included being unprepared for such unexpected situations and their lack of knowledge on congenital anomalies. The participants’ confidence in BBN is mostly dependent on the type of the congenital anomaly. From data analysis, it was demonstrated that while midwives possess effective non-verbal communication skills to assist mothers with their emotions, they lack the required verbal communication skills to answer maternal concerns. Midwives identified several mandatory procedures to ease the facilitation of BBN for both themselves and the mothers. All midwives expressed a feeling of unhappiness, shock and trauma upon the realisation of the baby’s anomaly, with most midwives claiming of becoming emotionally involved. The results exhibited several recommendations for practice, education and further research. These include the need for improving the midwives’ knowledge on congenital anomalies, improving the midwives’ communication skills, investing a special designated area in the postnatal maternity wards for such families and the need for a large-scale study to identify the phenomena being studied in greater depth. Description: B.SC.(HONS)MIDWIFERY 2018-01-01T00:00:00Z