KNOWLEDGE OF DELIVERY ROOM MIDWIVES ON THE CARE OF NEURODIVERGENT INDIVIDUALS IN CHILE

Abstract

Currently in Chile, neurodivergent people have begun to be more visible and integrated into society; they need different levels of support in a comprehensive way, free of stigmas and judgments.

Objective: to describe the knowledge of midwifery professionals in the areas of childbirth in Chile, for the comprehensive care of neurodivergent persons.

Method: Descriptive cross-sectional study based on midwifery and immediate care personnel with a pilot size of 29, collecting information through a survey conducted between January and June 2024.

Results: there was evidence of a deficit in the preparation of the infrastructure, with 44.8% considering it "poor" and 31% "fair". Regarding the knowledge of care for neurodivergent persons focused on gynecology-obstetrics, according to the responses, 65.5% of the midwifery professionals strongly agreed that the facility in which they work should provide training in the care of neurodivergent persons, while 31.03% agreed and 3.45% were indifferent, emphasizing that none of the respondents disagreed.

Conclusion: the professional midwives of childbirth and/or neonatology consider that they have insufficient knowledge and training for the integral care of neurodivergent persons, highlighting the lack of inclusion in gynecological-obstetric spaces. The lack of knowledge can generate hostile environments, infringing on humanized and respected childbirth. However, the staff is willing to receive training to improve their care with a neurodivergent approach.