Families' Perception of Cognitive and Emotional Support From Healthcare Professionals Across the Maternal and Newborn Care Continuum.

The study was done in one municipality in Ghana, so the scores may not apply to other settings. Most surveys were completed in hospitals and were read or recorded by research assistants, which can make people give more socially acceptable answers. The questionnaire had no defined cut-off for adequate or inadequate support, so the scores cannot be compared with a clinical standard. Sample sizes for most groups were based on feasibility rather than statistical power, and clustering within facilities was not adjusted for. Low literacy and possible discomfort in the local setting may have limited open-ended responses. There was no follow-up after data collection, so changes in support over time were not measured.

The authors declared no conflicts of interest. The University of Geneva provided financial support for publication of this article.

Do not treat these perception scores as proof that staff failed to provide adequate care or that communication training will improve outcomes. The study measured families' perceptions at one time, did not define a threshold for adequate support, and did not follow participants after birth or NICU admission.