Humanising childbirth – Maternity acupressure training for healthcare providers at the Fernandez Foundation Hospitals, Hyderabad, India. Evaluation of program delivery in one region of India

Abstract

Background

Internationally, traditional medicine approaches are used to support humanised childbirth practices. Labour support issues in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), include limited resources, staffing, and escalating pharmaceutical interventions. There is a strong interest in evidence-based acupressure programs, however, training and experience to implement them is limited. Maternity professionals at the Fernandez Foundation (FF) including associated hospitals in the Hyderabad region, India, sought training in acupressure to support humanised childbirth.

Aims

To evaluate the implementation of the ‘Acupressure for childbirth training program’ at FF hospitals, up to 6-months post-training, including barriers and facilitators, as well as determining pregnancy and labour conditions for which the techniques are most useful.

Methods

Pre- and post-training, and 6-month surveys, were distributed to participants.

Results

Participants included a diverse group of 88 midwives, doulas, physiotherapists, educators and obstetricians. There were significant improvements in participant skills and knowledge, which persisted up to 6-months post-training (p<0.01). Participants indicated they were ‘highly satisfied’ with the training, and found it valuable, easy to implement, and reported extremely positive responses from women and support people. Facilitators to implementation included ‘strategies and ideas’, ‘effectiveness of pain relief’, and ‘aiding labour progress’. Barriers included ‘other staff and institutional challenges’, ‘needing more training’, ‘women’s attitudes’.

Conclusion

Acupressure training as part of a humanised approach to childbirth, demonstrates significant skill and knowledge gain, usefulness of training and skills, ease of implementation, and a highly positive reception within the clinical environment. Implementation of these practices should be widespread and supported by policy makers and clinicians.