Resident Attitudes Towards Caesarean Delivery in Canadian Obstetrics and Gynaecology Residency Programs

A framework for understanding how midwives perceive and provide care management for pregnancies complicated by gestational diabetes or hypertensive disorders of pregnancy

BACKGROUND

Both gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) are common, and each are associated with adverse maternal and perinatal outcomes. Midwives may be the first point of care when these conditions arise. This study evaluated the experiences of midwives when providing care to women and people with pregnancies complicated by GDM or HDP.

METHODS

A mixed methods study was completed in Ontario, Canada, using a sequential, explanatory approach. A total of 144 online surveys were completed by midwives, followed by 20 semi-structured interviews that were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim. Survey data were analysed using descriptive statistics. Thematic analysis was used to generate codes from the interview data, which were mapped to the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF), to elucidate factors that might influence management.

RESULTS

Most of the midwives' clinical behaviours relating to GDM or HDP were in keeping with guidelines and regulatory standards set by existing provincial standards. Six theoretical domains from the TDF appeared to influence midwives'care pathway: "Internal influences" included knowledge, skills and beliefs about capabilities; while "external influences" included social/professional role and identity, environmental context, and social influences. Interprofessional collaboration emerged as a significant factor on both the internal and external levels of influence.

CONCLUSIONS

We identified barriers and facilitators that may improve the experiences of midwives and clients when GDM or HDP newly arises in a pregnancy, necessitating further consultation or management by another health care provider.

Midwives perceptions of managing pregnancies complicated by obesity: A mixed methods study

OBJECTIVE

The growing prevalence of obesity is a concern for midwives. In Canada, the absence of regulatory standards, varying protocols and consultant preferences shape clinical decision making for the midwife and may lead to inconsistent practice. Our aim was to understand the barriers, enablers, and knowledge gaps that influenced experiences of midwives in Ontario, Canada when providing care to clients impacted by obesity.

METHODS

Mixed methods design using a sequential, explanatory approach. Surveys conducted with midwives were administered using an online platform, followed by semi-structured interviews to understand the perspectives elicited in the survey in greater detail. Interviews were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim. Survey data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, and thematic analysis was used for generating codes, categories and themes from the interview data.

RESULTS

144 midwives completed the survey and 20 participated in an interview. The participants described their clinical management when caring for those with obesity which included considerations regarding additional tests/investigations, consultation and transfer of care, and place of birth. Up to 93% of surveyed midwives believed that clients with obesity were appropriate for midwifery-led care however there was less certainty about suitability as BMI increased to higher ranges such as > 45). The care management was influenced by beliefs and attitudes, knowledge, and system-level factors. Midwives experienced barriers such as inconsistent practices and role confusion, and felt ill equipped to care for pregnancies affected by obesity due to unclear guidelines.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, midwives believe clients with obesity are suitable for midwifery-led care due to its individualized, non-judgmental approach to care. Additional training for midwives and other obstetric care providers would be beneficial to help overcome barriers in providing effective care to pregnancies affected by obesity.

Training and expertise in undertaking assisted vaginal delivery (AVD): a mixed methods systematic review of practitioners views and experiences

BACKGROUND

During childbirth, complications may arise which necessitate an expedited delivery of the fetus. One option is instrumental assistance (forceps or a vacuum-cup), which, if used with skill and sensitivity, can improve maternal/neonatal outcomes. This review aimed to understand the core competencies and expertise required for skilled use in AVD in conjunction with reviewing potential barriers and facilitators to gaining competency and expertise, from the point of view of maternity care practitioners, funders and policy makers.

METHODS

A mixed methods systematic review was undertaken in five databases. Inclusion criteria were primary studies reporting views, opinions, perspectives and experiences of the target group in relation to the expertise, training, behaviours and competencies required for optimal AVD, barriers and facilitators to achieving practitioner competencies, and to the implementation of appropriate training. Quality appraisal was carried out on included studies. A mixed-methods convergent synthesis was carried out, and the findings were subjected to GRADE-CERQual assessment of confidence.

RESULTS

31 papers, reporting on 27 studies and published 1985-2020 were included. Studies included qualitative designs (3), mixed methods (3), and quantitative surveys (21). The majority (23) were from high-income countries, two from upper-middle income countries, one from a lower-income country: one survey included 111 low-middle countries. Confidence in the 10 statements of findings was mostly low, with one exception (moderate confidence). The review found that AVD competency comprises of inter-related skill sets including non-technical skills (e.g. behaviours), general clinical skills; and specific technical skills associated with particular instrument use. We found that practitioners needed and welcomed additional specific training, where a combination of teaching methods were used, to gain skills and confidence in this field. Clinical mentorship, and observing others confidently using the full range of instruments, was also required, and valued, to develop competency and expertise in AVD. However, concerns regarding poor outcomes and litigation were also raised.

CONCLUSION

Access to specific AVD training, using a combination of teaching methods. Complements, but does not replace, close clinical mentorship from experts who are positive about AVD, and opportunities to practice emerging AVD skills with supportive supervision. Further research is required to ascertain effective modalities for wider training, education, and supportive supervision for optimal AVD use.