Debriefing remains commonly offered following traumatic or distressing births despite international and national guidelines strongly recommending against routine debriefing due to lack of evidence of benefit and potential for harm. Psychological First Aid (PFA) is an evidence-based, trauma-informed alternative focused on promoting safety, calm, connection, and hope, and supporting natural recovery in the hours, days, and weeks following trauma. PFA-B adapts these principles for the perinatal context, recognising the unique interplay of obstetric factors, maternal mental health, infant wellbeing, bonding, and social and cultural contexts of birth.

This study will evaluate Psychological First Aid for Birth Trauma (PFA-B) training, a brief, trauma-informed training program developed by birth trauma researcher and perinatal clinical psychologist Lucy Frankham. The pilot sites will be invited to participate in two 2-hour training sessions (delivered face-to-face or online), with brief pre- and post-training questionnaires and 4 week and six-month follow-up.

The study aims to evaluate changes in participants’ knowledge in providing PFA-B, their use of supportive PFA-B behaviours in practice, the impact of training on burnout/compassion fatigue and the provision of respectful, woman-centred care. Expected outcomes include improved trauma-informed practice, increased use of supportive responses consistent with PFA-B, and potential benefits for staff wellbeing and quality of care.

The project is planned to be led by Lucy Frankham in collaboration with University of New England and Maternity Consumer Network.

This study is currently undergoing ethics approval - if you would like to express your interest in participating please email Lucy Frankham at lfrankh4@une.edu.au or submit an expression of interest below.