 RIGHTS OF WOMEN IN

SEEKING/ GETTING
HEALTH CARE
 (Contents : Courtesy of Ministry of health Government of Pakistan)

1
 Interpersonal
Communication Skills
• Talking to the Obstetric Patients&
their Families.

• Emotional Support.

• Counseling.
•

2
 Rights of Women
 Every women receiving care has a right to:
◦ Get information about her health
◦ Discuss her concerns in an environment in
which she feels confident
◦ Know in advance the type of procedure that is
going to be performed
◦ Have privacy should any procedures be
conducted (e.g. labor)
◦ Be made to feel as comfortable as possible
when receiving services
◦ Express her views about the service she
receives

3
Communication Techniques
 Encourage the woman and her family to speak honestly
and completely about events surrounding the
complication

 Listen to what the woman and her family have to say
and encourage them to express their concerns; try
not to interrupt

 Respect the woman’s sense of privacy and modesty by
closing the door or drawing the curtains around the
examination table

 Let the woman know that she is being listened to and
understood

4
Communication Techniques (Cont.)

 Use supporting nonverbal communication such as

nodding and smiling
 Answer the woman’s questions directly in a calm,
reassuring manner
 Explain what steps will be taken to manage the
situation or complication
 Ask the woman to report back to you the key
points to assure her understanding
 Involve the family members including mother,
mother in law,husband

5
At the Time of the Event
 Listen to those who are distressed.
◦ The woman /family will need to discuss their hurt and
sorrow
 Show empathy
◦ Do not change the subject and move on to easier or
less painful topics of conversation.
 Tell the woman/family as much as you can about
what is happening.
◦ Understanding the situation and its management can
reduce their anxiety and prepare them for what
happens next
 Be honest. Do not hesitate to admit what you do
not know.
◦ Maintaining trust matters more than appearing
knowledgeable
 If language is a barrier to communication, find a
translator

6
At the Time of the Event (..continued)
 Do not pass the problem on to the nursing staff or
juniors
 Ensure that the woman has a companion of her
choice
◦ Supportive companionship can enable a woman to face
fear and pain, while reducing loneliness and distress
 Where possible, encourage companions to take an
active role in care.
◦ Allow the companion to focus on caring for the
woman’s emotional needs
 Both during and after the event, provide as much
privacy as possible for the woman and her family

7
 After the Event
 Give practical assistance, information and
emotional support
 Allow the woman’s partner or family to be with her
 Respect traditional beliefs and customs and
accommodate the family’s need as far as possible
 Provide counseling for the woman/family and allow
for reflection on the event
 Explain the problem to help reduce anxiety and
guilt.
◦ Many women /families blame themselves for what
happened
 Listen and express understanding and acceptance
of the woman’s feeling
◦ Nonverbal communication may speak louder than
words

8
Maternal Mortality
At the Time of Event
 Provide Psychology Care
 If death is inevitable, provide emotional &
spiritual comfort rather than focusing on
the emergency medical care
 Provide dignity & respectful treatment at
all time

9
Maternal Mortality
After the Event
 Allow the woman’s partner or family to be
with her
 Facilitate the family’s arrangements for the
funeral, if possible, & see that they have
all the necessary documents
 Explain what happened & answer any
questions.

10
Severe Maternal Morbidity
At the Time of Event
If Possible:
ØInclude the woman & her family in the
proceedings of the delivery.
ØEnsure that a staff member cares for the
emotional & informational needs of the
woman

11
Severe Maternal Morbidity
After the Event
 Clearly explain the condition & its
treatment.
 Arrange for treatment &/or referral,when
indicated
 Schedule a follow up visit

12
Neonatal Mortality or
Morbidity
At the Time of Event
 Avoid using sedation to help the woman to
cope with the acceptance of the death.
 Allow the parents to see the efforts made
by the care givers to revive their baby .
 Encourage the couple to see & hold the
baby.
 Prepare the parents for the unexpected
appearance of the baby.
 Avoid separation of mother & baby too
soon.

13
Neonatal Mortality or
Morbidity
After the Event
 Allow the woman/ family to continue to
spend the time with the baby.
 Offer the woman small mementos of the
baby.
 Encourage the family to call their baby by
name.
 Allow the family to prepare the baby for its
funeral.
 Arrange a discussion with the couple.

14
Destructive Operations
At the time of Event
 Explain the mother & family that the
baby is dead & the priority is to save the
mother.
 Encourage the partner to provide support
& comfort for the mother until she is
anaesthetized.
 If woman awake protect her from visual
exposure.
 After the intervention show the baby to
woman & family if they wish.

15
Destructive Operations
After the Event
 Allow unlimited visiting time.
 Counsel the couple that an alternative was
not available.
 Arrange a follow up visit after several weeks.
 Family planning should be provided, if
appropriate.

16
Birth of an abnormal Baby
At the Time of Event
 Give the baby to the parents at deliver to
see the problem immediately.
 If sever deformity wrap the baby before
giving it to the mother to see the normality
of the baby first.
 Provide the bed or cot in the room.

17
Birth of an abnormal Baby
After the Event
 Discuss the problem with the woman & her
family together.
 Keep the baby with the mother at all time.
 Ensure access to supportive professional
individuals & groups.

18
19