Mori Emi, Maehara Kunie, Iwata Hiroko, Saito Asuka, Kosaka Mai, Kimura Kayoko, Endo Toshiko, Sakajo Akiko
Journal of Japan Society of Maternity Nursing, 24(1) 23-30, Oct 30, 2023
Although there is a growing need in Japan for interprofessional work during pregnancy, childbirth and the postnatal period in women of very advanced maternal age (VAMA), there is little accumulation of practical knowledge. This study aimed to explore the interprofessional work experiences of Japanese health-care professionals during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postnatal period in women of VAMA. A total of 32 professionals including 24 nurses, 7 physicians and 1 medical social worker participated in semi-structured interviews, and the content was analyzed. The experiences of these professionals were compiled into 10 themes, such as “utilization of an existing interprofessional collaboration system,” “smooth collaboration stemming from day-to-day interaction,” “collaboration based on diversity in women of VAMA,” and “seamless prenatal-to-postnatal collaboration.” Interprofessional work was smoothly practiced for VAMA women based on an existing perinatal care system. However, this study indicated there are issues up until the VAMA women’s first visit to a perinatal medical center and childcare period following discharge from the perinatal medical center.