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CONFERENCE PROCEEDING
Promoting postpartum health and quality of life: Foundations for a continuity of care nursing programme
1
Health Sciences Research Unit, Nursing UICISA: E, Coimbra 3001-901, Portugal
2
Ph.D. student, University of Coimbra/Coimbra Higher School of Nursing, Coimbra 3001-901, Portugal
3
Ph.D. Associate Professor. Polytechnic Institute of Viseu, Higher School of Health, Viseu 3500-843, Portugal
4
Ph.D. Coordinating Professor: Polytechnic Institute of Viseu, Higher School of Health, Viseu 3500-843, Portugal
5
Ph.D. student, University of Lisbon UL/Lisbon Higher School of Nursing ESEL, Lisbon 1600-190, Portugal
6
Ph.D. Coordinating Professor, Coimbra Higher School of Nursing, Coimbra 3001-901, Portugal
Eur J Midwifery 2026;10(Supplement 1):A510
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
The postpartum period is a critical phase involving complex biopsychosocial adjustments. Despite its recognised importance, postnatal care often remains fragmented and insufficiently centred on women’s needs. The absence of structured follow-up may compromise maternal well-being and overall outcomes. Evidence-based nursing interventions that promote continuity of care and maternal quality of life are therefore essential.
OBJECTIVES:
To assess women’s experiences of postnatal care and their perceived quality of life using culturally validated instruments. The ultimate aim is to inform the development of a structured educational nursing programme tailored to the postpartum period.
METHODS:
A cross-sectional study is ongoing in a Portuguese healthcare unit. Preliminary data from 239 postpartum women aged 19 to 46 years (M = 32.76; SD = 4.95) were analysed. Two validated instruments were applied: the Postnatal Care Experience Scale (PCES), originally developed in China and adapted according to Beaton et al. (2007), measures general experience of postnatal care; and the Maternal Postpartum Quality of Life Questionnaire (MAPP-QOL), which evaluates perceived quality of life across five domains (psychological/baby, socioeconomic, partner relationship, family/friends, and health/functioning). Internal consistency was assessed using Cronbach’s alpha.
RESULTS:
Preliminary analyses show excellent internal consistency for both tools: α = 0.953 for the PCES and α = 0.960 for the MAPP-QOL. The instruments were well accepted, and completion rates were high. Their combined use enables a multidimensional understanding of women’s postnatal needs and supports the development of continuity-based care strategies.
CONCLUSIONS:
These findings confirm the psychometric reliability of both tools and their relevance for assessing postnatal experience and quality of life. Results support the design of nursing-led interventions that are structured, holistic, and responsive to maternal needs.
KEY MESSAGE:
Postpartum care must be guided by women’s lived experiences. Validated tools support tailored nursing programmes to strengthen maternal well-being and continuity of care. Poster session 1 (Group A)
The postpartum period is a critical phase involving complex biopsychosocial adjustments. Despite its recognised importance, postnatal care often remains fragmented and insufficiently centred on women’s needs. The absence of structured follow-up may compromise maternal well-being and overall outcomes. Evidence-based nursing interventions that promote continuity of care and maternal quality of life are therefore essential.
OBJECTIVES:
To assess women’s experiences of postnatal care and their perceived quality of life using culturally validated instruments. The ultimate aim is to inform the development of a structured educational nursing programme tailored to the postpartum period.
METHODS:
A cross-sectional study is ongoing in a Portuguese healthcare unit. Preliminary data from 239 postpartum women aged 19 to 46 years (M = 32.76; SD = 4.95) were analysed. Two validated instruments were applied: the Postnatal Care Experience Scale (PCES), originally developed in China and adapted according to Beaton et al. (2007), measures general experience of postnatal care; and the Maternal Postpartum Quality of Life Questionnaire (MAPP-QOL), which evaluates perceived quality of life across five domains (psychological/baby, socioeconomic, partner relationship, family/friends, and health/functioning). Internal consistency was assessed using Cronbach’s alpha.
RESULTS:
Preliminary analyses show excellent internal consistency for both tools: α = 0.953 for the PCES and α = 0.960 for the MAPP-QOL. The instruments were well accepted, and completion rates were high. Their combined use enables a multidimensional understanding of women’s postnatal needs and supports the development of continuity-based care strategies.
CONCLUSIONS:
These findings confirm the psychometric reliability of both tools and their relevance for assessing postnatal experience and quality of life. Results support the design of nursing-led interventions that are structured, holistic, and responsive to maternal needs.
KEY MESSAGE:
Postpartum care must be guided by women’s lived experiences. Validated tools support tailored nursing programmes to strengthen maternal well-being and continuity of care. Poster session 1 (Group A)
| eISSN: | 2585-2906 |
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