Consolidation of the questionnaire proposed by National College of French Midwives to measure and characterise violence in perinatal care: Insights from women and representatives

Background

Violence in perinatal care remains challenging to define, as well as to measure. To address this, a midwifery research group published a questionnaire endorsed by the French National College of Midwives, but women’s perspective was lacking.

Aim

To consolidate this questionnaire on violence in perinatal care with insights from women and their representatives.

Methods

We conducted a qualitative study, abiding by the COREQ criteria, based on semi-guided interviews held with 16 women and three representatives of perinatal patient organisations. Women were recruited via social media and targeted outreach. The interviews explored their understanding of the questionnaire, its relevance to their experiences, and potential areas for improvement. Data was transcribed and thematically analyzed.

Findings

Participants appreciated the questionnaire’s brevity and endorsed its use of the term ‘violence’, validating its focus on subjective experiences. However, they highlighted unclear items, such as assessing health professionals’ experience or evidence-based care. Suggested additions included categories of infantilizing language, as well as specific roles like radiologists and anesthetists. The nested aspect of the questionnaire was also discussed. Divergent opinions emerged regarding the timing of administration of the questionnaire, some favoring postpartum hospital stay and others suggesting later follow-up.

Discussion /Conclusion

This study highlighted the importance of including women to ensure the tool’s relevance and comprehensiveness. Revisions enhanced clarity, expanded the scope of professional interactions assessed, and introduced nuanced categories of violence. Challenges remain, including optimizing timing for questionnaire administration. Perspectives include dissemination within clinical practice, tests among minorities and validation of the questionnaire using psychometric tools.