Abstract:

Abstract This is a descriptive research with a qualitative approach carried out in the obstetric center of a public maternity hospital in Southern Brazil, from September to December 2017. It aimed to demonstrate changes in the perception and practice of nursing staff after continuing education activity about the use of non-pharmacological methods for pain relief during childbirth. Audiorecorded workshops were used and the data were interpreted through thematic content analysis. Eight workshops were held in the unit's four shifts with 21 professionals, four nurses and 17 nursing technicians. Three categories emerged: “Permanent education”, which was considered deficient; “Benefits for the parturient”, with the reduction of unnecessary interventions and “Changes in daily practice”, which requires updates. There was a need to expand educational activities that enable theoretical and practical reflection, in order to integrate teaching and service, improving quality of care and ensuring women's rights to a humanized birth.

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