Healthcare professionals' attitudes, knowledge and self-efficacy levels regarding the use of self-hypnosis in childbirth: A prospective questionnaire survey. (April 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: McAllister, Sophie; Coxon, Kirstie; Murrells, T.; Sandall, J.
• Is Part Of: Midwifery. Volume 47(2017)
• Page Start: 8
• Page End: 14
• Publication Date: 2017-04
• Subjects: Attitudes -- Knowledge -- Self-efficacy -- Healthcare surveys -- Childbirth -- Self-hypnosis; Midwifery -- Periodicals; Midwifery -- Periodicals; Sages-femmes -- Périodiques; Midwifery; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 618.2005
• DOI: 10.1016/j.midw.2017.01.017
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0266-6138

Abstract

Abstract: Objective: to examine healthcare professionals' attitudes, knowledge and levels of self-efficacy regarding the use of self-hypnosis in childbirth. Design: a prospective survey. Setting: two large maternity units in London, England. Participants: healthcare professionals ( n =129) involved in the care of childbearing women (anaesthetists, midwives and obstetricians). Methods: online questionnaire assessing healthcare professionals' experience, knowledge, attitudes and self-efficacy relating to self-hypnosis in childbirth. Main outcome measures: attitude, self-efficacy and knowledge. Findings: over half of the participants surveyed (56%) reported they had minimal or no knowledge of hypnosis. Higher levels of knowledge were associated with higher levels of self-efficacy ( p <0.001) and also with more positive attitudes ( p <.001). Midwives reported significantly higher levels of knowledge, more positive attitudes (7.25, 95% CI: 4.60–9.89) and higher levels of self-efficacy (3.48, 95% CI: 1.46–5.51) than doctors. Midwives also reported more exposure to/experience of hypnosis than doctors, and more exposure was significantly associated with higher levels of self-efficacy (midwives p <.001; doctors p =.001). Professionals who would plan to use self-hypnosis in their own or partners' births had significantly higher self-efficacy scores ( p <.001). Key conclusions: if healthcare professionals are to effectively support women using self-hypnosis in childbirth, they need to be confident in their ability to facilitate this method. Previous research has established that self-efficacy is a strong indicator of performance. Implications for practice: Professionals with more knowledge of self-hypnosis are also more confident in supporting women using this technique in childbirth. Multi-disciplinary staff training which aims to increase knowledge, and which includes exposure to hypnosis in labour, may be beneficial in assisting staff to support women choosing to use self-hypnosis in labour. Highlights: 56% of respondents reported minimal or no knowledge of self-hypnosis in childbirth. Knowledge is linked with greater confidence in supporting women using self-hypnosis. Midwives reported more knowledge, confidence & a more positive attitude than doctors. Self-efficacy was greater if staff would use self-hypnosis in their own labour.