NUR 4122/4222: Nursing Research

Qualitative and Quantitative Article Evaluation Table

First Author Doulas Perspectives about providing support to incarcerated women (2014)
(Year)/Qualifications Rebecca j. Shafer PhD Division of General Pediatrics and Adolescent Health,
University of Minnesota, MN
Background/Problem Health care service for women in prison have often been considered inadequate. In
Statement a health study of the health care practices of pregnant women in 19 state prisons
living conditions, health care, and counseling practices failed to meet the womens
basic standards.
Problem Statement: Were the doulas able to meet the fundamental goals of doula
practice and provide substantive support to the women they were serving?

Conceptual/theoretical Researchers believed that with the increased prenatal risk and likelihood of
Framework obstetric complications, providing specialized care, prenatal education, and
continuous labor support to pregnant women in prison may improve maternal,
fetal, and infant outcomes.
Design/ Qualitative Study
Method/Philosophical Feasibility study
Underpinnings A pilot project provided doula support to pregnant women incarcerated in urban jail
settings in Washington State
Sample/ Setting/Ethical 18 incarcerated pregnant women
Considerations Urban jail in Washington State
6 doulas of the incarcerated women
In March 2010 prison administration granted permission for program staff to
facilitate the pregnancy and mothering group.
Major Variables Studied Lived experiences of women receiving doula care while incarcerated.
(and their definition), if Lived experiences of doulas giving care to incarcerated women.
appropriate

Measurement Tool/Data
Collection Method

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 NUR 4122/4222: Nursing Research
Qualitative and Quantitative Article Evaluation Table

Doula written narrative of each labor and birth from her perspective written in first
person.

Data Analysis Birth stories were coded using a phenomenological approach with a focus on
understanding the essence of doulas experiences when providing support to
pregnant women in prison.
Two coders identified themes related to the doulas perceived accomplishments
that were common across the birth stories.

Findings/Discussion The doulas were able to provide professional services for incarcerated women.
The doula was able to provide additional support to the mother upon separation
from the newborn and the mothers return to prison.
Doulas were able to accomplish 4 themes that were common in each experience
categorized as. 1. Establishing a trusting and valued relationship. 2.
Empowerment. 3. Normalizing birth. 4. Support during separation_

Appraisal/Worth to
practice Doulas can help implement change within the prison system to provide a better
outcome for the mother and infant.
This program and study proved that it is logistically possible to implement a doula
program within prison.
Doulas were able to achieve their professional goals within the prison system of
successfully providing care to mom and baby.

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