Exploring mothers views of fathers staying overnight on postnatal ward
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Exploring mothers’ views and experiences of fathers staying overnight on an inpatient postnatal ward, in a London Hospital: A Mixed Methods Study.
IRAS ID
219696
Contact name
Gill Mein
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
St George's University of London
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 4 months, 8 days
Research summary
Maternity services acknowledge that as well as looking after mother and baby, we need to support fathers to be involved in maternity care also. One of the ways we are currently involving fathers in maternity care is by facilitating them to stay overnight on the postnatal ward with their partner and new born baby. It is important to note, when referring to ‘fathers’, the researcher is referring to all fathers who stay on the ward; not only those known to each individual participant.
Currently, we do not know what effect the presence of fathers staying overnight is having on mothers’ experiences. The literature suggests that 30% of women are unhappy to share postnatal accommodation with fathers, however; we do not know if this number is accurate within the context of a London hospital. Therefore it is planned to conduct a mixed methods research study which aims to explore mothers’ views and experiences of fathers staying overnight on an inpatient postnatal ward, in a London Hospital.
In order to complete this study, it is planned to offer a questionnaire to all postnatal women at discharge from postnatal ward; except those who are under the age of 16, cannot speak English, are bereaved or have been readmitted to the postnatal ward. The aim of the questionnaire is to provide an insight into how acceptable mothers feel it is to share accommodation with fathers overnight and provide an indication of what populations are in favour of or opposed to the practice. Six interviews will also be conducted with the aim of providing a better understanding in relation to mothers’ feelings and experiences. Gaining this level of information may facilitate healthcare professionals to better support all mothers on postnatal ward, particularly those who are not in favour of sharing postnatal accommodation with fathers.REC name
London - Westminster Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
17/LO/0642
Date of REC Opinion
6 Jun 2017
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion