A Meta-Analysis of Passive Descent, Research Paper Example

The article by Brancato, Church, & Stone (2008) summarized a meta-analysis of seven studies with an overall sample of 2,728 females, and due to subject specificity, this sample size was appropriate for evaluation. In addition, the ability to extract data effectively demonstrated the importance of passive descent and its relationship to early pushing in women preparing to give birth (Brancato et.al, 2008).

This meta-analysis is rigorous because it employed the extraction of data from three separate article databases that supported a greater understanding of the subject and why it is relevant to a woman’s status during epidural analgesia (Brancato et.al, 2008). In addition, the article supports the use of passive descent during birth to alleviate the need for excessive pushing and spontaneous vaginal births in women (Brancato et.al, 2008). This study provides additional information regarding vaginal births and how to minimize the risks involved with this practice to alleviate long-term complications (Brancato et.al, 2008).

In applying this research study to the practice environment, I would also consider additional databases that might provide studies for possible inclusion in order to address the challenges of vaginal births and how they impact women over the short and long term. Additional information regarding passive descent would also be required in order to determine if there are options for mothers to avoid unnecessary risks in this area (Hanson, 2009). The application of this evidence would provide support for OBGYNs in their efforts to make decisions regarding the birthing process that would have a positive and lasting impact on patients, rather than to create an environment in which there is unnecessary risk. The level of evidence must be sufficient and appropriate in order to make positive decisions that will impact patients and enable them to experience smoother and less stressful deliveries using the passive descent method.

References

Brancato, R. M., Church, S., & Stone, P. W. (2008). A meta-analysis of passive descent versus immediate pushing in nulliparous women with epidural analgesia in the second stage of labor. Journal of Obstetric, Gynecologic, and Neonatal Nursing, 37, 4–12. (Attached for the writer to read)

Hanson, L. (2009). Second?Stage Labor Care: Challenges in Spontaneous Bearing Down. The Journal of perinatal & neonatal nursing, 23(1), 31-39.