Maternity Hospital In Ireland Research Articles

Maternal awareness, acceptability and willingness towards respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccination during pregnancy in Ireland.

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the world's leading cause of viral acute lower respiratory infections (ALRI) in infants. WHO has identified maternal RSV vaccination a priority and candidate vaccines are in development; however, vaccine hesitancy remains an impediment to successful implementation of maternal immunization. This study, the largest antenatal survey conducted to-date, aimed to examine maternal RSV awareness, likely acceptance of RSV vaccination in pregnancy, and attitudes to maternal vaccination. Pregnant women of all gestations attending antenatal clinic of a university maternity hospital in Ireland were invited to participate. An information leaflet provided, consent obtained, and survey administered examining RSV awareness, willingness to avail of antenatal RSV vaccination, factors influencing acceptability and preferred sources of assistance. Research Ethics Committee (REC) approval obtained, and general data protection regulation (GDPR) guidelines followed. 528 women completed the survey. A large proportion (75.6%) had never heard of RSV, yet 48.5% would still avail of a vaccine, 45.8% were undecided and only 5.3% would not. The main factor making vaccination acceptable to women (76.4%) was that it protects their infant from illness (p < .001, CV 0.336 for association with acceptance) and general practitioner (GP) was the preferred guidance source in decision-making (57.7%). Despite low levels of maternal awareness of RSV, pregnant women in Ireland are open to availing of antenatal vaccination. Maternal immunization strategies need to focus on infant's protection from RSV-associated ALRI along with vaccine safety, and build on an interdisciplinary collaboration of maternal, neonatal, primary care and public health services.

Laid-back breastfeeding: knowledge, attitudes and practices of midwives and student midwives in Ireland.

Despite concerted efforts by policy developers, health professionals and lay groups, breastfeeding rates in Ireland remain one of the lowest in world, with 63.6% of mothers initiating breastfeeding at birth, dropping to 37.6% of mothers breastfeeding exclusively on hospital discharge. Nipple trauma and difficulties with baby latching are major contributors to the introduction of formula and discontinuation of breastfeeding. Research shows laid-back breastfeeding (LBBF) significantly reduces breast problems such as sore and cracked nipples, engorgement, and mastitis as well as facilitating a better latch. Although the benefits of LBBF are well documented, this position does not seem to be routinely suggested to mothers as an option when establishing breastfeeding. This study aims to determine midwives' and student midwives' knowledge, attitudes, and practices of using laid-back breastfeeding in Ireland. A cross-sectional descriptive survey distributed to midwives and student midwives in three maternity hospitals in Ireland and two online midwifery groups based in the Republic of Ireland, during June, July, and August 2021. Two hundred and fifty-three valid responses were received from nine maternity units. Most participants (81.4%) were aware of laid-back breastfeeding. However, only 6.8% of respondents cited it as the position they most frequently use. Over one-third (38.34%) had never used this position with mothers. Those more likely to suggest LBBF had personal experience of it, were lactation consultants or working towards qualification, or had participated in specific education about LBBF. Barriers included lack of education, confidence, time, and experience. Further issues related to work culture, a tendency to continue using more familiar positions and concerns about mothers' anatomy and mothers' unfamiliarity with LBBF. Although there was a high level of awareness of laid-back breastfeeding among midwives and student midwives, there are challenges preventing its use in practice. Education specifically related to using LBBF in practice is required to overcome the barriers identified. A greater understanding of mothers' and babies' intrinsic feeding capacities may give midwives more confidence to recommend this method as a first choice, potentially leading to more successful breastfeeding establishment and maintenance.

How well do we truly understand clitoral anatomy? AnIrish maternity hospital's perspective.

The clitoris has long been ignored in medical literature and teaching, with the first paper describing its anatomy only published in 1993. It is essential that those working in women's health understand the anatomy of this important female sexual organ. The aim of this study was to assess the level of knowledge of the anatomy of the clitoris across five cohorts in a busy teaching maternity hospital in Ireland. A questionnaire was devised, asking ten consultants, ten non-consultant hospital doctors (NCHDs), ten midwives, ten midwifery students and ten medical students to name the anatomical parts of a 3D model of the clitoris. None of the 50 respondents could name all five labelled parts of the clitoris, and 38 of respondents could not correctly name one anatomical part. It is evident that there is a lack of knowledge of the anatomical parts of the clitoris among the medical staff included in this study. This reflects a lack of adequate teaching in this area in both past and recent years. Despite this, we acknowledge that women's health and sexual health awareness is improving all of the time, and we hope that this study can highlight the need for reformed teaching in this area.

The importance of communication and involvement in decision-making: A study in Ireland exploring birth satisfaction using the Birth Satisfaction Scale-Revised (BSS-R).

Evaluation in healthcare services has become a priority, globally1. The Government of Ireland has highlighted the importance of stakeholder engagement to identify the needs of women in the design and delivery of high-quality health services, driven by necessity rather than financial ability2. The Birth Satisfaction Scale-Revised (BSS-R), an internationally validated tool, and recommended for measuring childbirth satisfaction by the International Consortium for Health Outcomes Measurement (ICHOM)3; however, it has yet to be considered in the Irish context. The aim of the study was to explore birth satisfaction with a sample of new mothers in Ireland. A mixed-methods study was conducted including a survey that involved collection of data from the BSS-R 10-item questionnaire from 307 mothers over an 8-week period in 2019, in one urban maternity hospital in Ireland. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected. Qualitative data from the free-text comments of the survey questions were analyzed using content analysis. Overall, women reported positive relationships with their care providers and were satisfied with the communication and support they received, as well as high levels of control and choice. Postnatal care, however, was highlighted as being less satisfactory with staffing levels described as inadequate. Understanding women's birth experiences and what is important to them could facilitate midwives and other health professionals to improve the quality of their care and develop guidelines and policies that focus on women and their families' needs. The vast majority of women rated their birthing experience as extremely positive. The main elements of care that contributed to a positive birthing experience for women were quality relationships with clinicians, choice and control, and emotional safety.

Giving of the self and Midwife Burnout – An exploration of the consequences of being ‘with woman’ and how individual midwives can reduce or prevent burnout

BackgroundThe emotional nature of midwifery practice has been described by several researchers and midwives have reported extremely high burnout levels. Burnout is dynamic and effects individual midwives differently, depending on individual coping abilities and demographic and contextual factors. However, midwives themselves can reduce burnout at an individual level. AimThis study aimed to explore the concept of burnout with midwives and to ascertain their perspectives on how burnout can be reduced. This paper presents findings in relation to individual midwives’ responsibilities for the reduction of burnout. MethodsThis was a Participatory Action Research study. A total of 5 co-operative inquiry meetings were held with practising midwives (n = 21) over a six-month period (October 2018 - March 2019), in a large, urban teaching maternity hospital in Ireland. Data was analysed using Thematic Network Analysis. FindingsMidwives explored in detail the emotional nature of midwifery practice and how this contributes upon midwives’ burnout levels. Recommendations were made for individuals to reduce their own burnout levels. These include self-awareness and basic self-care skills. Some specific individual characteristics were suggested as increasing the risk of burnout such as younger, less experienced midwives. Conclusion and recommendationsMidwives require high levels of self-awareness to identify external demands, which make them more susceptible to burnout, and utilise their own positive coping mechanisms. Basic self-care is also necessary for midwife well-being. However, without commitment from healthcare systems to reduce chronic excessive workload, burnout levels will remain high, which impacts negatively on midwives and the women in their care.

Exploring first-time mothers' experiences and knowledge about behavioural risk factors for stillbirth.

Modifiable factors such as substance use, lack of attendance at antenatal care, overweight or obesityand sleeping position are associated with a higher risk of stillbirth. This qualitative study aimed to explore women's experiences of modifiable factors during pregnancy and their awareness of stillbirth. Purposive sampling was implemented by hospital staff in a large tertiary maternity hospital in Ireland between November 2020 and March 2021. Women were approached during their stay in the hospital and were invited to participate in a semistructured interview 3-5 months later. Eligible women were primiparous, >18 years of ageand had an uncomplicated pregnancy and delivery. Eighteen women who consented to be followed up were interviewed at 3-5 months postpartum. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the data. Four themes were identified: attitudes towards behaviour change, awareness regarding stillbirth and risk factors, the silence around stillbirth and risks, and attitudes towards receiving information about stillbirth. Women spoke about behaviour change in terms of outcomes, and most changes (e.g., ceasing alcohol consumption) were perceived as easy to manage. Awareness of stillbirth was limited among the women interviewed, and the association between risk behaviours and stillbirth was not known by any woman. Results suggest that there is a silence around stillbirth, including in antenatal care, which hinders information provision. However, most women highlighted the value of receiving information and extra education about modifiable risk factors and stillbirth. There is a general lack of understanding of the link between behavioural risk factors and potential pregnancy outcomes such as stillbirth. Providing further information to women about stillbirth and providing additional support with behaviour change might contribute to enhancing preventive efforts. Patients were involved in this study by providing their experiences of antenatal care which were used as primary data.

Investigating the suitability of customised playlists for childbirth in Ireland and Hong Kong

The aim of this study was to explore the experience of two couples using customised playlists to support childbirth at the public maternity hospitals in Ireland and in Hong Kong. Two couples participated in a pre-delivery meeting with a music therapist one month before their infant’s due birth date. During this meeting, the couples were assisted in setting up customised playlists and received recommendations on strategies and relaxation techniques to use with the playlists. Data collection was performed through semi-structured interviews with the participants two weeks after the childbirth. The interviews were then examined through Thematic Content Analysis (Braun &amp; Clark, 2006). Three final themes arose included: (1) feasibility of using customised playlists during childbirth; (2) preferred music selection; and (3) perceived benefits of the playlists. The feasibility of using playlists was affected by the adaptability of the playlists to the changeable birth situations and the uncertain feedback and restriction from hospital staff. The suitability of original music selection and the meaning of songs were highlighted. Participants reported that the birthing playlists promoted relaxation and better sleep; provided spiritual support; and diverted attention from discomfort and disturbances.

Reducing midwife burnout at organisational level — Midwives need time, space and a positive work-place culture

BackgroundMaternity care organisations have a responsibility to ensure the health and welfare of their staff. Rates of burnout are high in midwifery compared to other professionals. Therefore, exploring how it can be reduced is imperative. AimTo explore with midwives the contributors to burnout and how best to reduce burnout in a maternity hospital in Ireland. MethodsA Participatory Action Research study involving Co-operative Inquiry meetings (n = 5) with practising midwives (n = 21) between October 2018 and March 2019, in a large, urban teaching maternity hospital in Ireland. The transcribed data were analysed using Thematic Network Analysis. FindingsSeveral recommendations were made for maternity organisations, to reduce or prevent burnout. These include improving workplace culture, increasing support and acknowledgement, offering time and space for debriefing and reflection and regular rotation of staff. Consistent staff shortages are, however, a barrier to adhering to these recommendations. ConclusionThis study is the first of its kind to offer an in-depth exploration with midwives into the main contributors of burnout and what can be done at an organisational level to reduce burnout among midwives. The findings of this study highlighted the importance of working relationships. Additionally, owing to the nature of midwifery practice, time and space need to be created for midwives to debrief and reflect. However, there is an urgent need for healthcare systems to combat staffing shortages in order for these strategies to be successful.

COVID-19 and clinical outcomes of pregnancy: a comparative study

Background A series of changes in maternity care provision were implemented internationally in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aimed to assess the impact of COVID-19 on maternal clinical outcomes, resulting from these changes to care provision. Methods A before and during comparative study of maternal pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum clinical outcomes was conducted at a maternity hospital in Ireland. Inferential statistics were used to compare datasets with significance set at P&lt;0.05. Results Overall, no difference in caesarean section rates between the two study periods was observed, although more caesarean sections were observed in multiparous women during the pandemic (30% vs 35%, P=0.01). The rate of elective compared to emergency caesarean section was also higher during the pandemic, from a proportionate difference of 3.6% pre-pandemic to 13.6% during the pandemic. Rates of induction of labour for post-dates (post-maturity induction) were also increased during the pandemic. Conclusions The changes to maternity care because of the COVID-19 pandemic appear to have affected some maternal clinical outcomes, and thus, potentially, women's overall intrapartum and postnatal health and wellbeing.

Clinician’s attitudes towards caesarean section: A cross-sectional survey in two tertiary level maternity units in Ireland

BackgroundAlthough caesarean section (CS) is a life-saving intervention when medically indicated, the growth in CS rates is causing concern. In reducing unnecessary CS, it is important to understand clinicians’ attitudes towards CS so that these might be understood contextually. ObjectiveTo explore clinicians’ attitudes towards CS in Ireland. MethodsA cross sectional survey involving maternity care professionals in two urban maternity hospitals in Ireland. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse the data. Ethical approval was granted by the Research Ethics Committees of the University and the two study sites. FindingsOne hundred and fifty-two maternity care professionals responded to the survey. Most (97%) indicated that the CS rate in their unit was ‘high’, although 81% believed there was a shift in culture towards a lower threshold for performing CS. Most participants (85%) considered birth a natural process that should not be interfered with unless necessary and that elective CS is not the safest option for the mother (74%) or baby (71%), yet 45% believed that a woman should be able to have a CS if she wants a CS. Just over half the participants considered a previous 3rd or 4th degree tear an indication for an elective CS. Offering vaginal birth after a previous CS for fetal distress and failure to progress increased with clinical experience. ConclusionThe findings of this survey can be considered contextually in addressing high CS rates and will be of wider relevance in understanding maternity care providers’ beliefs about CS in general.

Assessing the concordance and accuracy between hospital discharge data, electronic health records, and register books for diagnosis of inpatient admissions of miscarriage: A retrospective linked data study

Despite the high prevalence of miscarriage, there are few studies which assess the concordance of a diagnosis of miscarriage in routinely collected health databases. To determine agreement and accuracy for the diagnosis of miscarriage between electronic health records (EHR), the Hospital Inpatient-Enquiry (HIPE) system, and hospital register books in Ireland. This is a retrospective study comparing agreement of diagnosis of miscarriage between three hospital data sources from January to June 2017. All inpatient admissions for miscarriage were reviewed from a single, tertiary maternity hospital in Ireland. Kappa, sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive value were calculated. In this retrospective concordance study, EHR records confirmed 96.2% diagnosis of miscarriage of HIPE records, and 95.1% of register books records. A total of 95 records were not recorded in the register books but were recorded in HIPE and EHR. This study found a considerable variability when comparing definitions of type of miscarriage (i.e., missed miscarriage, incomplete, and complete) between the three data sources. Although this study found a high concordance in inpatient admissions for miscarriage between EHR, HIPE, and register books, a considerable discrepancy was found when classifying miscarriage between the three data sources.

Epidemiological typing of methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus recovered from patients attending a maternity hospital in Ireland 2014–2019

SummaryIt has previously been reported that maternity hospitals have lower levels of MRSA compared to other healthcare facilities, due to the patient population - mostly healthy patients with limited healthcare contact. In this epidemiological study, all MRSA isolates recovered from patients attending a maternity hospital from 2014 – 2019 were investigated. 171 isolates from adults (n=120) and babies (n=51) from diagnostic and screening investigations were submitted to the National MRSA Reference Laboratory (NMRSARL). Investigations included: spa typing, antimicrobial susceptibility testing, detection of the mecA/mecC genes and lukS-PV and lukF-PV. All were susceptible to glycopeptides, linezolid, rifampicin and mupirocin, while 29 of 171 (17%) were resistant to β-lactam agents only. Thirteen isolates (8%) were resistant to two classes of antibiotic; one resistant to three. All isolates harboured mecA and 33 of 171 (19%) harboured PV-lukF/S. Among the collection, 21 multilocus sequence types (ST) were inferred from 63 spa types. EARS-NET data shows that ST22-MRSA-IV accounts for approximately 75% of MRSA recovered in Irish hospitals. Here, it accounted for only 25.7%. MLST types associated with community acquired MRSA accounted for the remaining 74.3%. These included ST8, ST30, ST1, ST5 and ST88, suggesting a diverse population, harbouring multiple resistance and virulence genes, some of which have been previously associated with outbreaks in Ireland. This study exposes a reservoir of MRSA in the community which may be imported into hospitals, leading to outbreaks. The diversity of MRSA lineages with enhanced virulence factors highlights the need for regular surveillance to ensure appropriate infection prevention and control interventions are implemented promptly.

Factors associated with maternal readmission to hospital, attendance at emergency rooms or visits to general practitioners within three months postpartum

While most women remain healthy after giving birth to their baby, others experience complications that require medical attention or readmission to hospital. However, data on maternal attendance for medical care postpartum or readmission to hospital are not collected or reported routinely in many countries so the extent of health problems experienced remain unknown. Collecting data on the proportion of women who seek medical care in the early postpartum period may deepen understanding of risk factors, the consequences for women, their families and the maternity care system and, ultimately, help identify preventative strategies and processes. ObjectiveTo identify the factors associated with maternal rehospitalisation, attendance at emergency rooms or visits to general practitioners, the three main sources of medical services postpartum in Ireland, within the first three months postpartum. Study DesignA prospective cohort study, embedded in a larger maternal health and morbidity study, with 1668 nulliparous women recruited from two maternity hospitals in Ireland. Univariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to explore associations with postpartum rehospitalisation, emergency room attendance and general practitioner visits within the first three months postpartum, for maternal health-related reasons. ResultsFour percent (n = 66) of women were rehospitalised, 10% (n = 166) attended an emergency room, and 13.6% (n = 223) attended their general practitioner three or more times, regarding their own health. Women aged 24 years or less were more likely to attend their doctor (p = 0.02, AOR 2.13, 95% CI 1.08-4.21) compared to women aged 25-29 years, the reference category. Women who were obese or very obese were also more likely to attend their doctor three or more times (p = 0.01, AOR 1.79, 95% CI 1.15-2.79) and also more likely to attend an emergency room (p = 0.04, AOR 1.69, 95% CI 1.02-2.80) within three months postpartum, for their own health reasons. ConclusionFindings indicate that considerable proportions of women seek medical care from various healthcare sources postpartum. These medical visits are not routinely reported and point to the need for interventions regarding the care, management and services available to first-time mothers birthing in Ireland, with specific attention on preventative postpartum health.

Comparison of labour and birth outcomes between nulliparous women who used epidural analgesia in labour and those who did not: A prospective cohort study

ObjectiveTo compare labour and birth outcomes between nulliparous women who used versus did not use intrapartum epidural analgesia. DesignProspective cohort study. SettingTwo maternity hospitals in Ireland. PopulationA total of 1221 nulliparous women who gave birth vaginally or by emergency caesarean section. MethodsMultinomial logistic regression was used to analyse categorical outcomes, with results presented as ratios of relative risks (RRR). For dichotomous outcomes we used logistic regression, with results presented as odds ratios (OR). Main outcome measuresMode of birth, IV syntocinon use, pyrexia (≥38°C), antibiotic treatment, first stage labour ≥10h, second stage labour ≥2h, blood loss (≥500mls, ≥1000mls), perineal trauma. Neonatal outcomes included Apgar score ≥7 at 1min and 5min, admission to neonatal intensive care unit, and infant feeding method. ResultsWomen using EA were more likely to require a vacuum-assisted birth (RRR 3.35, p<0.01) or forceps-assisted birth (RRR 11.69, p<0.01). Exposure to EA was associated with significantly greater risk of ≥10h first (OR 6.72, p=0.01) and ≥2h second (OR 2.25, p<0.01) stage labour, increased likelihood of receiving IV syntocinon (OR 9.38, p<0.01), antibiotics (OR 2.97, p<0.01) and a greater probability of pyrexia (OR 10.26, p<0.01). Women who used EA were half as likely to be breastfeeding at three months postpartum (OR 0.53, p<0.01). No differences were observed between groups in neonatal outcomes. ConclusionsOur data shows significant associations between EA use and several intrapartum outcomes.

Smoking Prevalence and Secondhand Smoke Exposure during Pregnancy and Postpartum-Establishing Risks to Health and Human Rights before Developing a Tailored Programme for Smoking Cessation.

Both smoking during pregnancy and secondhand smoke exposure are associated with reduced health outcomes. However, limited consistent evidence exists of risks of secondhand smoke exposure in pregnancy. Currently, inadequate smoking cessation services exist in Irish maternity hospitals. To identify the number of pregnant women smoking during pregnancy and to identify their exposure to secondhand smoke, we conducted a cross-sectional observational pilot study in one regional maternity hospital in Ireland in July/August 2018. Respondents were (1) women attending antenatal clinics and (2) postpartum women before discharge. Variables measured included smoking status of pregnant women and partner status, demographic variables, secondhand smoke exposure, and support for hospital smoke-free policy and development of smoking cessation services. The overall response rate was 42.2% in this study. The response rate was 56.5% (111/196) from postnatal wards and 37.3% (215/577) from antenatal clinics. Over 40% of respondents reported they had smoked during their lifetime. The majority of women (70%) reported quitting smoking before their pregnancy. Few women were active smokers. Almost 40% reported exposure to tobacco smoke in the previous week (38.5%); 16.9% reported living with a smoker, a critical factor in increased risk (Odds Ratio (OR) 3.89, 95% CI = 1.86–8.15, p < 0.001). Approximately 10% of postnatal mothers reported that their newborn would travel home with a smoker. Support for a no-smoking hospital policy was very high as was support for the development of cessation services. No documentation of secondhand smoke exposure for pregnant women or newborns is sought or recorded routinely in the hospital. A systems approach to develop smoking cessation programmes in maternity care should include screening and documenting of secondhand smoke exposure risks for women during pregnancy, and for their newborns at discharge, to improve health outcomes and protect human rights.

Development, validation and reliability testing of ‘Perinatal Bereavement Care Confidence Scale (PBCCS)’

BackgroundEquipping midwives and nurses with confidence to provide bereavement care to parents who have experienced a perinatal loss is vital and impacts on the efficacy of the care received by grieving parents. In education and clinical practice environments there are shortages of bereavement care questionnaires specifically designed to measure midwives’ and nurses’ confidence and psychosocial factors that impact on their confidence to provide bereavement care. AimThe purpose of the study was to develop a valid and reliable perinatal bereavement care confidence scale (PBCCS). MethodsThe PBCCS was developed in 4 phases. Phase 1: Questionnaire development, 44 questions were formulated from the literature. Phase 2: Face and content validation of the PBCCS by an Expert Panel. Phase 3: A pilot study was conducted and included 10 cognitive pre-testing interviews and test-retest reliability assessment with a cohort of 26 midwives. Phase 4: Construct validity was assessed using factor analysis with 277 midwives and nurses. In order to avoid confusion with terminologies, the term midwife was used for both nurses and midwives who provided care to bereaved parents and participated in the study. Internal consistency reliability measurement was assessed with Cronbach’s alpha. Ethical approval of the study was obtained from four maternity hospitals in Ireland. ResultsThe PBCCS has 43 items. Bereavement care knowledge (15 items, 3 sub-scales). Bereavement care skills (9 items, 2 sub-scales). Self-awareness (8 items, 2 sub-scales). Organisational support (11 items, 2 subscales). The internal consistency reliabilities ranged from 0.753 to 0.871 except for one subscale 0.663. ConclusionsThe PBCCS is a valid and reliable tool with good psychometric properties which can be used to measure midwives’ confidence and the psychosocial factors thatimpact on their confidence to provide bereavement care.

The Pillow Project, Infant Choking, and Basic Life Support Training for Prospective Parents: A Low-Cost Intervention for Widespread Application.

Dissemination of pediatric basic life support skills, while recommended, is not done routinely for pregnant women and their partners within the maternity services. This study evaluates an e-learning program coupled with the use of a novel infant pillow mannequin to determine whether a low-cost intervention with potential for widespread application could enable training in the event of an infant choking and the provision of basic life support. A prospective cohort study with an uncontrolled pre- and posttest design was used following institutional ethical approval. A 4-week cycle of antenatal education classes in a regional Maternity Hospital in Ireland and a purposive sample of pregnant women and their partners attending the antenatal education classes were used. The following measures were assessed: (1) confidence in knowing what to do in the event of an infant choking; (2) confidence in performing infant cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR); (3) ability to perform the requisite skills; and (4) the perceived acceptability of the infant pillow mannequin as a means of practice. Twenty-four individuals completed a pre- and postprogram questionnaire. The e-learning program along with practice on the pillow mannequin significantly affected confidence (P < .001) in the actions to take in the event of an infant choking and in performing infant CPR. Forty-four participants used the pillow mannequin for practice and volunteered to have their skills assessed. More than 90% demonstrated correct positioning of the infant in the event of choking, correctly identified the correct ratio of chest compressions to breaths, and conducted chest compressions to the required depth. Three distinct categories of comment were identified: usefulness of the program; simplicity of the program/pillow mannequin; and accessibility for practice at home. A self-instructional e-learning program coupled with an infant pillow mannequin enables parents to learn the procedure in the event of an infant choking and to demonstrate basic life support. This low-cost intervention has the potential for widespread application within developed and developing countries.

Maternal obesity trends in a large Irish university hospital

Objective(s)This study aimed to examine recent trends in maternal obesity. Study designThis retrospective observational study used routinely computerised clinical and sociodemographic data of women who presented for antenatal care in a large maternity hospital in Ireland during the eight years 2010-17. Women with complete body mass index (BMI) data who delivered a baby weighing ≥500 g were included in the study. BMI was based on the measurement of weight and height and was categorised into the World Health Organizations (WHO) classifications. ResultsThe number of women delivered was 67,949 and 99.1% had complete data. The overall obesity rate increased from 16.0% (95% CI 15.3–16.8%) in 2010 to 18.9% (95% CI 18.0–19.7%) in 2017 (+18.1%, p < 0.001). This increase occurred in the mild, moderate and severe obesity subcategories (all p < 0.01). Overall, obesity was associated with multiparity, maternal age, maternal birth in Ireland or the United Kingdom (UK), depression, unemployment and unplanned pregnancy. The increase in obesity was more pronounced in nulliparas than in multiparas, particularly nulliparas <30 years. The increased obesity levels were accompanied by major sociodemographic changes in the hospital population from 2010 to 2017 with an increase in the average maternal age from 30.5 years to 32.2 years (p < 0.001) and a decrease in the proportion of nulliparas aged <30 years (from 40.6% to 28.8%, p < 0.001). Conclusion(s)It is likely that the escalating maternal obesity levels will lead to further increases in obstetric complications and interventions. The escalation was accompanied by major sociodemographic changes which have implications for healthcare planning and public health interventions.

Miscarriage hospitalisations: a national population-based study of incidence and outcomes, 2005\u20132016

BackgroundEarly miscarriage is one of the most common obstetric causes of maternal morbidity early in pregnancy. However, data concerning non-fatal complications among hospitalisations for early miscarriage are lacking. The aim of this study was to determine whether there were changes in the incidence, management and outcomes of early miscarriage hospitalisations between 2005 and 2016.MethodsThis is a nationwide population-based study of 50,538 hospitalisations with a diagnosis of early miscarriage of all acute maternity hospitals in Ireland. Electronic health records were retrieved using the Hospital In-Patient Enquiry database. Main outcomes include the incidence rates of hospitalisations and management for early miscarriage, and rates of blood transfusion and length of stay over 2 days.ResultsOverall, 50,538 hospitalisations for early miscarriage were identified from 2005 to 2016. The risk of hospitalisation decreased from 70.6 per 1000 deliveries (95% CI 68.4 to 72.8) in 2005 to 49.7 per 1000 deliveries (95% CI 49.7 to 53.3) in 2016; however, the risk of blood transfusion increased over time (ratio: 2.0; 95% CI 1.6 to 2.4). Women of advanced maternal age had a higher risk of hospitalisations. There were less blood transfusions among women who undertook medical treatment (ratio: 0.3; 95% CI 0.1 to 0.5), but they had an increased risk of staying over 2 days at the hospital (ratio: 1.5; 95% CI 1.2 to 1.9) compared to evacuation of retained products of conception.ConclusionsHospitalisation rates for early miscarriage decreased over time with an increase in risk of blood transfusion and an extended length of stay at the hospital. Women who underwent medical management did not have as many blood transfusions as those undergoing surgical management. However, they had an increased risk of an extended stay. Research is needed to explore both outpatient and inpatient settings in order to improve the management and care provided.

Motivators and challenges to research recruitment – A qualitative study with midwives

ObjectiveTo explore midwives’ experiences of recruiting participants to research studies conducted by other researchers. DesignAn inductive qualitative study. MethodsIndividual face-to-face or telephone interviews using a semi-structured interview guide. Interviews were analysed thematically. SettingsOne large urban maternity hospital in Ireland. ParticipantsA purposive sample of 19 midwives FindingsThree co-dependent themes emerged: intrinsic motivations, extrinsic motivations and challenges. Intrinsic motivations included midwives’ personal beliefs about the value of research in general, its potential to improve practice, and their perceptions of how robust a particular study was and how it might impact on an individual woman and her baby. This included an inherent desire to shield some women, those who were perceived to have ongoing health issues or be anticipating a sub-optimal pregnancy outcome, from being offered study information. Extrinsic motivations related to the complexity of a research study and a specific researcher's characteristics. Challenges to offering potential participants research study information and, therefore, to successful recruitment included time constraints, workload and the volume of research being conducted simultaneously. Key conclusionsParticipants navigated the two, sometimes competing, worlds of clinical practice and clinical research. Set in the context of workload and the volume of research being conducted simultaneously, midwives’ perceptions of a study's robustness, clarity, its potential impact on individual women and ability to improve practice governed their motivation to offer information on research studies to potential participants. Implications for practiceInviting clinicians to assess the study information may improve its clarity and create opportunities to discuss the potential value and recruitment bias. Researchers should be available to address clinicians’ questions about particular research studies. At an organisational level, a system for managing the volume of research activity is required.