title: A mixed methods study to explore women and clinicians' response to pain associated with suturing second degree perineal tears and episiotomies [PRAISE].
abstract: BACKGROUND
  perineal suturing is a common event which affects women across a variety of international settings. Women have expressed pain related to perineal trauma in the postnatal period but little is known about pain during suturing. In addition, there is a lack of evidence to identify how professional decisions are made about pain management during the suturing process.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  to explore women and clinicians' response to pain during the suturing of second degree tears and episiotomies.
  
  
  METHODS
  mixed method feasibility study which included observation, questionnaires and interviews.
  
  
  METHODS
  a Hospital Trust in Northwest England.
  
  
  METHODS
  40 women and 21 clinicians participated.
  
  
  RESULTS
  mild, moderate and severe pain was measured via the McGill Pain Questionnaire-Short Form (MCPQ-SF). Psychological distress was identified via the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Semi-structured face to face interviews identified three themes, Psychological distress and future functioning; Variation in practice and Style of communication.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  women who experienced psychological distress during previous or current childbirth scored higher on HADS and MCPQ-SF, and appeared to express more concerns about future functioning and healing. Variation in practice exists and style of communication had the potential to make the difference for women.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  the process of suturing is complex and is not a standalone event for a woman. It is crucial that health professionals consider previous and subsequent experience of perineal suturing. Future research aims to develop a decision tree to support pain management during suturing.
authors: Edge Hill University, Lancashire, UK. Electronic address: briscoel@edgehill.ac.uk.
authors: Lesley
authors: L
authors: Briscoe
authors: University of Manchester, UK.
authors: Tina
authors: T
authors: Lavender
authors: University of Manchester, UK.
authors: Ediri
authors: E
authors: O'Brien
authors: University of Manchester, UK.
authors: Malcom
authors: M
authors: Campbell
authors: University of Leeds, UK.
authors: Linda
authors: L
authors: McGowan
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D004739:England; D004841:Episiotomy / Q000401:mortality; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D022125:Lacerations / Q000601:surgery*; D007744:Obstetric Labor Complications / Q000601:surgery*; D010146:Pain / Q000145:classification*; D010147:Pain Measurement; D036801:Parturition; D010502:Perineum / Q000293:injuries* / Q000601:surgery; D011247:Pregnancy; D013537:Sutures / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*
keywords: Episiotomies; Mixed-methods; Pain; Perineal suturing; Tears