The efficacy of ‘debriefing’ after childbirth: Is there a case for targeted intervention?

Sheen, Kayleigh; Slade, Pauline

Abstract

Objective: To review the efficacy of debriefing interventions for reducing posttraumatic stress (PTS) and/ or depressive symptoms in postnatal women. Background: Techniques referred to as debriefing have been adapted for use within maternity care settings to prevent the development of PTS symptoms or depression. There is a requirement to disaggregate methods and approaches used by existing studies, rather than review the research as a whole, to identify elements that may contribute to an efficacious intervention and to clarify what is currently a confused position.

Methods: Papers assessing the utility of providing a brief psychological intervention involving discussion of a birth with the mother and a professional, to reduce symptoms of PTS or depression, were reviewed. Discussions could be structured or unstructured, and involve any aspect of discussing the birth, responses and coping strategies.

Results: Nine papers (eight studies) were reviewed. While the majority of studies reported findings indicating that debriefing was ineffective for reducing PTS or depressive symptoms, there was evidence indicating that targeted interventions (for women who experienced a traumatic birth) were efficacious.

Conclusion: There may be potential utility in providing a debriefing intervention for women who perceive their childbirth experience to have been traumatic. A diversity of approaches termed ‘debriefing’ highlight a requirement to consider alternative terminology; the term ‘childbirth review’ is suggested as a useful alternative. Further research evaluating the efficacy of debriefing using a targeted approach for trauma perception is recommended.

Citation

Sheen, K., & Slade, P. (2015). The efficacy of ‘debriefing’ after childbirth: Is there a case for targeted intervention?. Journal of Reproductive and Infant Psychology, 33(3), 308-320. https://doi.org/10.1080/02646838.2015.1009881

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Jan 9, 2015
• Online Publication Date: Mar 13, 2015
• Publication Date: May 27, 2015
• Deposit Date: Oct 17, 2022
• Publicly Available Date: Oct 18, 2022
• Journal: Journal of Reproductive and Infant Psychology
• Print ISSN: 0264-6838
• Electronic ISSN: 1469-672X
• Publisher: Taylor & Francis (Routledge)
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 33
• Issue: 3
• Pages: 308-320
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/02646838.2015.1009881
• Keywords: Depression, Childbirth, Debriefing, Intervention, Posttraumatic stress
• Public URL: https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/10022040
• Publisher URL: https://doi.org/10.1080%2F02646838.2015.1009881