Understanding Conversations to Improve Training for Midwives
Research type
Research Study
Full title
The Convene study - Conversation Analytic Role-Play Method in antenatal Screening Conversations.
IRAS ID
260015
Contact name
Louise Bryant
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Leeds
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
n/a, n/a
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 7 months, 1 days
Research summary
In England, antenatal screening for Down’s syndrome, Edward’s syndrome and Patau’s syndrome is optional with an emphasis on informed personal decisions. The NHS antenatal screening programme requires midwives to provide the opportunity for further discussion before embarking on screening, and women desire and value this to help make a decision. This is especially true in women with lower levels of education or those unused to a healthcare delivery model which emphasises patient choice. However midwives often report being unsure how to help women without being seen as directive. Standard training involves simulated role-play, although this remains untested and is not equivalent to responding in real clinical encounters. This research will explore the potential of Conversation Analytic role-play Method (CARM) training as a tool to help midwives more effectively support those making a screening decision. CARM is a training approach that uses analysed recordings of real-life interactions to identify the problems and roadblocks that occur in conversations, as well as the techniques and strategies that best resolve and overcome them. Staff across a range of professions have utilised CARM training, including mediation services, the police, and general practice. It would appear that CARM is an ideal method to apply to the conversations midwives have with women to provide an evidence basis for communication training around informed choice.
We will video record 50 antenatal appointments, in both GP and hospital settings. All women aged over 16 receiving maternity care in Leeds will be eligible, and conversations around the offer of screening will be analysed. The findings will be considered within the CARM training framework, and the findings presented in a workshop to key stakeholders responsible for national antenatal screening training.
REC name
West Midlands - Black Country Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
19/WM/0207
Date of REC Opinion
2 Aug 2019
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion