The use of gender-neutral language in maternity settings: a narrative literature review

Q2 Nursing

British Journal of Midwifery Pub Date : 2023-09-02 DOI:10.12968/bjom.2023.31.9.502

Kimberley-Ann Crossan, S. Geraghty, Kirstie Balding

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引用次数: 1

Abstract

Midwives are vital healthcare professionals that are autonomous and passionate specialists on women, pregnancy, birthing and families. Staying up to date with contemporary issues enhances their ability to provide high-quality evidence-based care. One aspect of maternal care that is changing is the use of gender-neutral language. The aim of this review was to examine the use of gender-neutral language in maternity settings and collate the literature to expose any knowledge gaps. A narrative literature review was conducted, using primary research and literature reviews from the Cochrane Library, CINAHL and MEDLINE databases. A total of 106 articles were included. Data analysis yielded four themes: etymology and the origins of language in maternity, the effects of language in maternity, attitudes, and social media and language. The literature identified the perspective of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, queer or questioning, asexual and other sexually or gender diverse population who have accessed maternity and childcare services. Not all literature was maternity specific, but provided insight into how to improve maternity services. It is recommended that education be provided for healthcare professionals when working with the LGBTIQA+ community. Updating paperwork and policies at a structural level will have a vast impact holistically on LGBTIQA+ maternity consumers.

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产妇环境中中性语言的使用：叙事性文献综述

助产士是重要的医疗保健专业人员，她们是妇女、怀孕、分娩和家庭方面自主而充满激情的专家。与当代问题保持同步可以提高他们提供高质量循证护理的能力。产妇保健正在改变的一个方面是使用中性语言。本综述的目的是检查中性语言在产妇环境中的使用，并整理文献以揭示任何知识差距。使用Cochrane图书馆、CINAHL和MEDLINE数据库的主要研究和文献综述，进行叙述性文献综述。共纳入106篇文章。数据分析产生了四个主题:词源学和母性语言的起源、语言对母性的影响、态度、社交媒体和语言。这些文献确定了女同性恋、男同性恋、双性恋、变性人、双性人、酷儿或质疑者、无性恋者和其他性或性别多样化人群的观点，这些人群曾获得过妇幼保健服务。并非所有文献都是针对产妇的，但都提供了如何改善产妇服务的见解。建议在与LGBTIQA+社区合作时为医疗保健专业人员提供教育。在结构层面更新文书和政策将对LGBTIQA+孕妇消费者产生巨大的整体影响。

本文章由计算机程序翻译，如有差异，请以英文原文为准。

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来源期刊

British Journal of Midwifery Nursing-Maternity and Midwifery

CiteScore

1.30

自引率

0.00%

发文量

期刊介绍： British Journal of Midwifery (BJM) is the leading clinical journal for midwives. Published each month, the journal is written by midwives for midwives and peer reviewed by some of the foremost authorities in the profession. BJM is essential reading for all midwives. It contains the best clinical reviews, original research and evidence-based articles available, and ensures that midwives are kept fully up-to-date with the latest developments taking place in clinical practice. In addition, each issue of the journal contains a symposium on a particular theme, providing more in-depth clinical information.