Midwives' communication, womens' cognitive ability & understanding
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Exploring women’s understanding of Down syndrome screening information: the importance of women’s cognitive ability and the midwife’s communicative style
IRAS ID
142651
Contact name
Sophie John
Contact email
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
The research is designed to reveal how women’s understanding of Down syndrome screening information communicated in antenatal booking appointments is influenced by the way they reason and process information (their cognitive ability) and the midwives' communicative style. The aims of the research are to:
• Identify whether the midwives’ communicative style influences women’s understanding.
• Establish whether women’s cognitive ability can facilitate or inhibit understanding of Down syndrome screening information.
• Determine whether midwives offer the same oral explanation of Down syndrome screening to all women or if information is tailored to each woman based on their cognitive ability.
• Identify whether women’s understanding of Down syndrome screening information screening is influenced by both women’s cognitive ability and the midwives' communicative style.
• Consider the implications of any outcomes for midwifery practice.It is vital women feel fully informed in order to make important decisions to accept or reject screening. The research hopes to highlight aspects of communication that are most effective in aiding understanding.
The study will take place within NHS Wales in Cwm Taf University Health Board (CTUHB). Pregnant women who have made their first booking appointments with midwives, who are participating in the study, will be sent invitation letters, information sheets and consent forms. The researcher will audio record their booking appointments. Only the discussion related to Down syndrome screening will be transcribed. Following the appointment women will complete a questionnaire to assess their cognitive ability and understanding of the Down syndrome screening information, a demographics section is also included. A follow up satisfaction questionnaire will be sent to women’s homes a week after their booking appointment.
Rachel Fielding (Head of Midwifery CTUHB) has given favourable opinion to the study and Nicola Ralph (Midwife CTUHB) has acted as an advisor since the beginning of the research.
REC name
South Central - Berkshire B Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
15/SC/0187
Date of REC Opinion
17 Mar 2015
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion