WOMEN'S EXPERIENCES USING TERBUTALINE PUMP THERAPY FOR THE MANAGEMENT OF PRETERM LABOR.
Contributors: University of Minnesota.
Published: 1993
Number of pages: 301
Subjects: Health Sciences, Nursing.; Women's Studies.
Description: The purpose of this research was to describe women's experiences using terbutaline pump therapy for the management of preterm labor. Using phenomenology, a perspective that allows for the uncovering of the meaning of phenomena in their context, 12 women were interviewed: (a) after beginning pump therapy during hospitalization, (b) after using pump therapy seven to ten days at home, and (c) approximately four weeks after the second interview. The purpose of the final interview was to validate the analysis of the prior interviews and verify the emerging essential structure of the phenomenon.

Interview audiotapes were transcribed and analyzed using a modified method of phenomenological analysis developed by Colaizzi (1978). Elements of the essential structure which emerged in participants' descriptions of their experiences using terbutaline pump therapy included: (a) awareness, (b) choices, and (c) participation. These elements were specifically described in the context of women's awareness of their uterine activity patterns and contractions, making choices in response to this awareness, and participation in managing changes manifested in their patterns of uterine activity and contractions.

Further analysis of participants' descriptions yielded 57 themes. These themes were organized into 10 categories which addressed women's experiences of: (a) terbutaline pump therapy and the management of preterm labor, (b) tocolysis, (c) hospital and home, (d) bedrest, (e) consciousness of self, (f) coping, (g) emotions, (h) losses, (i) support, and (j) relationships with others. These categories characterized aspects of women's pregnancies which were altered due to using terbutaline pump therapy.

Overall, participants' experiences using terbutaline pump therapy for the management of preterm labor were described positively. Factors contributing to women's positive evaluations included: (a) increased perceptions of control, (b) enhanced feelings of well-being related to minimal therapeutic side effects, (c) perceived effectiveness of the therapy in controlling uterine activity and contractions, and (d) ability to use pump therapy in the home. Based on these findings, recommendations were made for nursing practice and future research.

References. Colaizzi, P. (1978). Psychological research as the phenomenologist views it. In R. Valle & M. King (Eds.), Existential phenomenological alternatives for psychology (pp. 48-71). New York: Oxford University Press.
Notes: Source: Dissertation Abstracts International, Volume: 54-04, Section: B, page: 1890.

Thesis (PH.D.)--UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA, 1993.

School code: 0130.