The study aimed to provide a preliminary evaluation of the acceptability and effectiveness of online eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) compared with a waitlist control (WLC). A pilot nonrandomized controlled trial was conducted. Eighteen adults...
Do the Rates of Burnout and Post- Traumatic Stress Disorder Symptoms in Jersey Midwives Reflect those Identified in Midwives Worldwide? A Quantitative Study
Background: Midwives can experience traumatic births and perinatal events when providing care, with research indicating some will develop burnout and/or PTSD as a result. As both phenomena are linked with poor physical and mental wellbeing for individual midwives, absenteeism and the decision to leave midwifery are increased. This impacts the maternity service by reducing its retention of staff, patient experience, and overall quality, resulting in poorer maternal and neonatal outcomes. With burnout/PTSD having negative implications on both the individual midwives and wider maternity services, it is important to understand the prevalence of these phenomena in different areas globally. Aims: This study aimed to describe the prevalence of burnout and PTSD in Jersey midwives for comparison with prevalences gained by earlier global research. Method: A cross-sectional, online survey was conducted. Burnout was measured using the Copenhagen Burnout Inventory and PTSD by the PCL-5. 63 midwives employed in Jersey’s only maternity service were sent an email link to the survey inviting them to participate. Findings: 17.5% (n=11) of midwives responded to the survey. The small number of respondents resulted in non-statistically significant findings. 91% (n=10) of respondents demonstrated moderate-severe burnout in the Personal and Work domains, with 10% (n=1) demonstrating moderate-severe burnout in the Patient domain. 18% (n=2) were found to meet diagnostic criteria for PTSD, with a further 9% (n=1) demonstrating sub-clinical symptoms. Comparisons were made with revalences from UK and global literature; however, the significance of these was limited by the low response rate. Conclusion: The findings confirm that burnout and PTSD are present in a small number of Jersey midwives, though further research with a higher response rate is required to confirm the prevalence. Both phenomena have also been confirmed in midwives across the globe. With the implications of the phenomena resulting in poorer outcomes for midwives, women, and newborn babies, further research is needed to identify causal relationships and moderating factors that can be implemented to reduce their impact.