Impact of conducting Structured Antenatal Psychosocial Assessments (SAPSA) on midwives’ emotional wellbeing

Purpose: To investigate the impact of conducting Structured Antenatal Psychosocial Assessments (SAPSA) on midwives’ emotional wellbeing. The SAPSA includes screening and assessment tools for domestic violence, childhood trauma, drug and alcohol use, depression, and vulnerability factors. Design: Qualitative descriptive design utilising focus group interviews Setting: Two hospitals in NSW undertaking routine mandatory SAPSA. Participants: Registered midwives who had conducted the SAPSA with women during the first hospital booking visit. Results: Four major themes were identified that directly impacted upon the midwives’ emotional wellbeing: cumulative complex disclosures, frustration and stress, lack of support for midwives and unhealthy coping strategies. Conclusions and implications for practice: There was a cumulative emotional effect with some midwives utilising unhealthy strategies to cope with feelings of frustration, inadequacy and vicarious trauma. Establishment of structured referral pathways for women and supportive systems for midwives are essential prior to implementing the SAPSA.