How do midwives support women making contraceptive decisions
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Is postnatal contraceptive advice given by midwives influenced by professional and organisational culture? An Ethnographic study
IRAS ID
274964
Contact name
Carrie Grainger
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of West London
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
UWL/REC/CNMH-00684, University Ethics Approval
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
This study is being undertaken as part fulfilment for the award of a professional doctorate in midwifery at the University of West London. The proposed research has been approved by university’s Research Degrees Committee and ethical clearance has been obtained from the Research Ethics Committee.
The aim of this research is to examine the existing role of midwives in supporting women making contraceptive decisions in the postnatal period. It will explore how both professional and organisational culture influences this provision. The study is interested in culture and is set within the context of service provision so it adopts an ethnographic approach data collection methods: observations, interviews and analysis of documentary evidence.
Research objectives:
1. Identify the content of information that midwives provide to women in terms of its currency and value.
2. Explore midwives perceptions of the benefits, challenges, and constraints in providing contraceptive advice to women.
3. Observe practitioners practicing midwifery in the context of their public health role.
4. Describe midwives decision making related to postnatal contraceptive advice.Observations of interactions between midwives and new mothers will be undertaken on a postnatal ward. Observations will survey how midwives deliver advice and conform to cultural norms. Whilst new mothers are not primary participants, they form part of these interactions so their permission/consent will also be sought.
Interviews will follow up and acquire more understanding of the culture observed and allow for exploration of the meanings of behaviours, language and events. A focus group of about 6 midwives will gain insight into broader perspectives of the observed culture. Field notes will be completed contemporaneously as possible and will consist of written accounts and diagrams of ward layouts. Patient notes will be reviewed to observe how midwives document such decisions and supporting materials such as leaflets and notice board materials will be reviewed.
REC name
South Central - Berkshire Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
20/SC/0356
Date of REC Opinion
14 Dec 2020
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion