The support needs of high-risk antenatal patients in prolonged hospitalisation

• Published in: Midwifery 2015-01, Vol.31 (1), p.164-169
• Main Authors: Kent, Roxane Agnes, Yazbek, Mariatha, Heyns, Tanya, Coetzee, Isabel
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adult; Female; High-risk antenatal patients; Hospitalization; Humans; Nursing; Patient Acceptance of Health Care - psychology; Pregnancy; Pregnancy, High-Risk - psychology; Pregnant Women - psychology; Prolonged hospitalisation; Qualitative Research; Social Support; South Africa; Support needs; Surveys and Questionnaires
• ISSN: 0266-6138; 1532-3099
• DOI: 10.1016/j.midw.2014.08.003

to identify and describe the support needs of high-risk antenatal patients hospitalised for more than five days. a qualitative, explorative and descriptive design. In-depth interviews were conducted with pregnant women during their stay in hospital until data saturation was reached. an antenatal unit in a private hospital in Gauteng Province, South Africa. 11 antepartum women who had been hospitalised for five days or more and were of any gestation period. three main themes emerged: (a) a need for social support; (b) improvement of the environment; and (c) assistance with emotional adaptation and acceptance of prolonged hospitalisation. prolonged hospitalisation of high-risk antenatal patients disrupts the usual adaptation to pregnancy. These patients develop specific needs during hospitalisation. Findings suggest that the length of hospitalisation influences the specific support needs of antenatal patients. this study identified a link between social and environmental support, emotional adaptation, acceptance of hospitalisation of high-risk antenatal patients and improvement of their health status. Through reflection on these themes, recommendations can be made and strategies implemented to meet the support needs of high-risk antenatal patients. •High-risk antenatal patients experience a variety of physical and psychological adverse effects during prolonged hospitalisation.•Prolonged hospitalised high-risk antenatal patients develop support needs.•Recommendations are made to enable high-risk antenatal patients to adapt to and cope better with their prolonged hospitalisation.