Fathers' presence in the birth room - Implications for professional practice in the Caribbean.

Aims or Objectives: This study explored the perspectives of Obstetricians and Registered Nurses/Midwives on the presence of expectant fathers in the birth room to better understand the implications for professional practice.

METHODS: A qualitative research design was used to explore challenges that affect perceptions and attitudes of Obstetricians and Registered Nurses/Midwives on the research issue. Data were collected using five focus group and five key informant interviews. Data were analyzed using Van Manen's (2007) interpretative phenomenological approach.

RESULTS: Four themes emerged (i) perception of the Obstetrician/Registered Nurse/Midwife, (ii) demands on the practitioner, (iii) and support for staff and (iv) potential challenges for practice. Participants held positive views about having expectant fathers' present in the birth room with advantages and disadvantages for practice. With the current staff shortage, expectant fathers' could assume a central role in monitoring and reporting changes in the status of the woman in labour. Depending on the nature of the birth experience, there was a view among respondents that this could have negative implications for the expectant father, as well as, increase the demands on the clinical practitioner. Communication emerged as an essential skill, especially in emergency setting as poor communication could be a source of contention to exacerbate negative perceptions of staff by expectant fathers.

CONCLUSIONS: The presence of expectant fathers in the delivery room could have a positive impact on the birth experience for mothers, fathers and health professionals in the Caribbean. Prospective fathers' involvement in birth could support the role of the health professionals, especially in contexts where there are staff shortages. Communication skills are an essential element of quality care and enhancing positive perceptions of health personnel, especially in critical emergency situations. However, depending on the context, it could place additional demands on the health team especially in emergencies.