Journal of Intensive and Critical Care Nursing

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Perspective - Journal of Intensive and Critical Care Nursing (2024) Volume 7, Issue 6

Promoting Patient-Centered Care in Obstetrics: The Critical Role of Nursing Advocacy

Jamel Mustafa *

Department of Paediatrics, Albaha University, Saudi Arabia

*Corresponding Author:
Jamel Mustafa
Department of Paediatrics, Albaha University, Saudi Arabia
E-mail: jamel.m@bu.edu.sa

Received: 02-Dec -2024, Manuscript No. AAICCN-24-157113; Editor assigned: 03-Dec-2024, PreQC No. AAICCN-24-157113 (PQ); Reviewed:17-Dec-2024, QC No. AAICCN-24-157113; Revised:23-Dec-2024, Manuscript No. AAICCN-24-157113 (R); Published:30-Dec-2024, DOI:10.35841/AAICCN-7.6.240

Citation: Mustafa J. Promoting patient-centered care in obstetrics: The critical role of nursing advocacy. J Intensive Crit Care Nurs. 2024;7(6):240

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Introduction

In obstetrics, the care provided to expectant mothers plays a crucial role in ensuring the health and well-being of both the mother and the newborn. The concept of patient-centered care has become an essential framework in modern healthcare, focusing on respect for the patient’s preferences, needs, and values. Obstetric nurses, who often spend the most time with patients throughout pregnancy, labor, and delivery, are pivotal in promoting patient-centered care and advocating for their patients’ rights. Nursing advocacy in obstetrics is about more than just ensuring physical safety—it also involves empowering patients, providing emotional support, and ensuring that women have the autonomy to make informed decisions about their care. The role of nurses as advocates in obstetrics is multifaceted and crucial to fostering a supportive and empowering environment for expectant mothers [1].

At its core, patient-centered care is about treating patients as active participants in their healthcare journey, rather than passive recipients. In obstetrics, this approach includes respecting the mother’s choices regarding birth plans, pain management options, and involvement in decision-making during pregnancy and childbirth. It means understanding that each woman's experience of pregnancy is unique, and the care plan should be tailored to meet individual needs [2].

Obstetric nurses are often the first to establish rapport with the mother, helping to create a safe and open environment where patients feel comfortable expressing their preferences and concerns. Whether discussing birth preferences, fears about labor, or understanding medical procedures, the nurse serves as an advocate who ensures the woman’s voice is heard throughout the process. By promoting patient-centered care, nurses empower women to make decisions that align with their values, reducing anxiety and increasing satisfaction with the overall experience [3].

Nurses in obstetrics are integral to informed decision-making, helping patients understand the risks and benefits of various options and interventions. Expectant mothers may be faced with difficult decisions, such as whether to choose a cesarean delivery or pursue a natural birth, the use of pain relief options like epidurals, or deciding on whether to opt for an episiotomy during labor. In each of these scenarios, nurses can assist by providing clear, accurate information in a non-judgmental and unbiased manner [4].

An essential aspect of nursing advocacy is ensuring that the patient is fully informed before making any decisions. This means explaining medical terminology in simple language, discussing potential outcomes, and providing a clear understanding of available alternatives. Nurses help facilitate discussions between the patient and the healthcare team, ensuring that the patient’s concerns are communicated effectively and that the plan of care reflects their values and wishes [5].

For example, a nurse might support a patient who wants to have a natural birth but faces pressure from the healthcare team to consider a cesarean due to complications. The nurse advocates for the patient’s autonomy by ensuring the patient has all the information necessary to make a choice, addressing any questions or doubts, and ensuring that the healthcare team respects the woman’s preferences, whenever possible [6].

Pregnancy and childbirth are moments of immense joy, but they can also be accompanied by anxiety, fear, and uncertainty. Obstetric nurses provide essential emotional support, helping patients navigate the emotional aspects of pregnancy and childbirth. By offering reassurance, actively listening, and validating the patient’s feelings, nurses help alleviate stress and create a sense of trust and security [7].

This emotional support becomes especially important during labor and delivery, where women may experience fear of the unknown, concerns about pain, or anxiety about complications. Nurses play a significant role in managing anxiety by providing comfort measures, answering questions, and maintaining a calm and supportive presence. By being empathetic and responsive, nurses ensure that the patient feels cared for and understood throughout the birth process [8].

Moreover, nurses advocate for patient autonomy in cases where patients might feel pressured by external factors, such as family members, hospital policies, or even the healthcare team itself. For example, some women may wish to have a birth plan that aligns with their personal beliefs, but may face resistance from others who might not fully understand or agree with those wishes. Nurses can serve as a buffer, respectfully supporting the patient’s desires and ensuring that their preferences are taken into account in the care process [9].

For example, some cultures may value the involvement of extended family in the labor process, while others may place a strong emphasis on privacy. Nurses who are culturally competent can advocate for these needs by ensuring family involvement is honored while also providing a safe and supportive environment for the patient. This reduces the likelihood of cultural dissonance, promoting respect and fostering trust between the patient and the healthcare team [10].

Conclusion

Nursing advocacy in obstetrics is essential to promoting patient-centered care, which places the patient’s preferences, needs, and values at the forefront of the care process. By supporting informed decision-making, providing emotional reassurance, respecting cultural differences, and ensuring high-quality care in both routine and high-risk situations, obstetric nurses play a central role in advocating for expectant mothers. Through compassionate care, effective communication, and advocacy for patient autonomy, nurses help ensure that women experience a positive and empowering childbirth experience—one that respects their rights and supports their journey into motherhood.

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