TY - JOUR
T1 - A systematic review of qualitative evidence
T2 - Perspectives of fathers whose partner experienced postpartum psychosis
AU - Lyons, Theresa
AU - Hennesey, Therese
AU - Noonan, Maria
N1 - Publisher Copyright:
© 2023 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
PY - 2024/2
Y1 - 2024/2
N2 - Aims: This study aimed to systematically identify, appraise and synthesize qualitative evidence which explored fathers' experiences and perspectives of their partners' postpartum psychosis. Design: Qualitative evidence synthesis (QES). Data Sources: Seven databases (CINAHL, PsycINFO, Medline, Scopus, Google Scholar, ProQuest Dissertations and Open Grey) were systematically searched for qualitative studies from each database's inception to the 17th of February 2022. Review Methods: Studies that utilized a qualitative research design to explore fathers' experiences and perspectives of their partners' postpartum psychosis were included. Studies were appraised using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme to determine their methodological quality. Qualitative data were extracted and synthesized using the process of thematic synthesis to form analytical themes. Results: Eleven reports (seven journal articles and four theses), representing six unique qualitative studies were included in the review. Two analytical themes and eight subthemes were identified. The analytical themes were ‘a sense of loss across multiple domains of their lives’, and ‘informational and emotional support needs’. Conclusion: Postpartum psychosis is a severe mental health condition which also impacts the woman's partner. Fathers experienced an array of emotions which they attributed to a lack of knowledge and understanding of postpartum psychosis. The development of appropriate support structures is needed to better support fathers in supporting their partners. Reporting Method: This review adhered to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis statement and ENTREQ reporting guidelines. Patient or Public Contribution: There was no patient or public contribution. Impact: What Problem did this Study Address?: Fathers play a pivotal role in supporting their partner who has postpartum psychosis, and a supportive father has a positive impact on the mental health of the mother. Several qualitative studies have explored fathers' experiences of their partners' psychosis. This QES integrated findings from these studies to gain a deeper understanding and knowledge of the father's experience. What are the Main Findings?: Fathers reported a significant sense of loss across multiple domains of their lives, from a perceived loss of their relationship with their partner to a loss of the future they had planned together. Fathers experienced an array of emotions, such as fear and shock which they attributed to their lack of knowledge and awareness of postpartum psychosis. Where and on Whom will this Research have an Impact?: This review provides a deeper insight and understanding into the father's experiences and perspectives of their partners' postpartum psychosis. This insight can inform healthcare professionals and policymakers in the development of appropriate support structures which meet the needs of this population. The provision of appropriate support structures could have a positive impact on the father's well-being and ability to support their partner.
AB - Aims: This study aimed to systematically identify, appraise and synthesize qualitative evidence which explored fathers' experiences and perspectives of their partners' postpartum psychosis. Design: Qualitative evidence synthesis (QES). Data Sources: Seven databases (CINAHL, PsycINFO, Medline, Scopus, Google Scholar, ProQuest Dissertations and Open Grey) were systematically searched for qualitative studies from each database's inception to the 17th of February 2022. Review Methods: Studies that utilized a qualitative research design to explore fathers' experiences and perspectives of their partners' postpartum psychosis were included. Studies were appraised using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme to determine their methodological quality. Qualitative data were extracted and synthesized using the process of thematic synthesis to form analytical themes. Results: Eleven reports (seven journal articles and four theses), representing six unique qualitative studies were included in the review. Two analytical themes and eight subthemes were identified. The analytical themes were ‘a sense of loss across multiple domains of their lives’, and ‘informational and emotional support needs’. Conclusion: Postpartum psychosis is a severe mental health condition which also impacts the woman's partner. Fathers experienced an array of emotions which they attributed to a lack of knowledge and understanding of postpartum psychosis. The development of appropriate support structures is needed to better support fathers in supporting their partners. Reporting Method: This review adhered to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis statement and ENTREQ reporting guidelines. Patient or Public Contribution: There was no patient or public contribution. Impact: What Problem did this Study Address?: Fathers play a pivotal role in supporting their partner who has postpartum psychosis, and a supportive father has a positive impact on the mental health of the mother. Several qualitative studies have explored fathers' experiences of their partners' psychosis. This QES integrated findings from these studies to gain a deeper understanding and knowledge of the father's experience. What are the Main Findings?: Fathers reported a significant sense of loss across multiple domains of their lives, from a perceived loss of their relationship with their partner to a loss of the future they had planned together. Fathers experienced an array of emotions, such as fear and shock which they attributed to their lack of knowledge and awareness of postpartum psychosis. Where and on Whom will this Research have an Impact?: This review provides a deeper insight and understanding into the father's experiences and perspectives of their partners' postpartum psychosis. This insight can inform healthcare professionals and policymakers in the development of appropriate support structures which meet the needs of this population. The provision of appropriate support structures could have a positive impact on the father's well-being and ability to support their partner.
KW - experience
KW - fathers
KW - nurse
KW - nursing
KW - perinatal mental health
KW - postpartum psychosis
KW - qualitative
KW - qualitative evidence synthesis
KW - spouse
KW - systematic review
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=85169586208&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1111/jan.15832
DO - 10.1111/jan.15832
M3 - Review article
C2 - 37658618
AN - SCOPUS:85169586208
SN - 0309-2402
VL - 80
SP - 413
EP - 429
JO - Journal of Advanced Nursing
JF - Journal of Advanced Nursing
IS - 2
ER -