| 1. |
- Begley, Cecily, 1954, et al.
(författare)
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Evaluation of an intervention to increase vaginal birth after caesarean section through enhanced women-centred care: The OptiBIRTH randomised trial (ISRCTN10612254)
- 2017
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Ingår i: 31th ICM Triennial Congress.
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Konferensbidrag (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- Background: Vaginal birth after a previous caesarean (VBAC) is a safe alternative to repeat caesarean section (CS), is the preferred option of most women and may reduce overall CS rates.1 However, VBAC rates vary; e.g., rates in Germany, Ireland and Italy are considerably lower (29-36%) than those in the Netherlands, Sweden and Finland (45-55%). Purpose/Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of an intervention to maximise VBAC rates. The OptiBIRTH Project was funded by a European Union Grant: FP7-HEALTH-2012-INNOVATION-1-HEALTH.2012.3.2-1. Agreement No:305208 Method: A cluster randomised trial was used. A sample size of 12 maternity units was required, each recruiting 120 consenting women, to detect an absolute 15% difference in successful VBACs (increase from 25% in control to 40% in intervention groups), using an ICC of 0.05, with power of >80% and an alpha of 0.05. To allow for loss to follow-up, 15 trial units were randomised across three countries with low VBAC rates (Germany, Ireland and Italy) and the trial commenced April 2014. An evidence-based intervention was introduced in all intervention sites. Control sites had usual care. Interim analysis by an independent Data Monitoring Committee at mid-point permitted continuation. Data were analysed using intention to treat. Key Findings: Recruitment closed October 2015, with the last babies born in December 2015, and data analysis will be completed in April 2016. The primary outcome, comparison of annual VBAC rates for each hospital before and after introduction of the intervention will be presented, and selected secondary outcomes for the recruited women including: mode of birth, perineal trauma, breastfeeding, uterine rupture, wound breakdown, perinatal mortality, Apgar scores, and admission to neonatal intensive care unit. Discussion: If the OptiBIRTH intervention increases VBAC rates safely, its introduction across Europe could prevent 160,000 unnecessary CSs every year, saving maternity services >€150 million annually and contributing to the normalisation of birth for thousands of women. References: 1 Cunningham et al (2010). National Institute of Health Consensus Development Conference Statement: Vaginal birth after caesarean. Obstet & Gynecol 115(6): 1279-1295. 2 EURO-PERISTAT 2008: CD006066.EURO-PERISTAT Project (2008). European Perinatal Health Report. (www.europeristat.com).
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| 2. |
- Chertok, Ilana Azulay, et al.
(författare)
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Factors associated with exclusive breastfeeding at discharge during the COVID-19 pandemic in 17 WHO European Region countries.
- 2022
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Ingår i: International breastfeeding journal. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1746-4358. ; 17:1
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Exclusive breastfeeding is the optimal infant nutrition, providing infants immunoprotection against many diseases including SARS-CoV-2 infection. Restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic may have negatively affected breastfeeding practices inmaternity care facilities. The aims of the study were to examine exclusive breastfeeding rates at discharge over time and to identify factors associated with exclusive breastfeeding during the pandemic.A cross-sectional survey was conducted among mothers who gave birth in a maternity care facility in the World Health Organization (WHO) European Region countries during the COVID-19 pandemic. The socio-ecological model was employed to examine intrapersonal, interpersonal, organizational, and community/society factors associated with maternal report of exclusive breastfeeding at the time of discharge.There were 26,709 participating mothers from 17 European Region countries who were included in the analysis. Among the mothers, 72.4% (n=19,350) exclusively breastfed and 27.6% (n=7,359) did not exclusively breastfeed at discharge. There was an overall decline in exclusive breastfeeding rates over time (p=0.015) with a significantly lower rate following the publication of the WHO breastfeeding guidelines on 23 June 2020 (AOR 0.88; 95% CI 0.82, 0.94). Factors significantly associated with exclusive breastfeeding outcomes in the logistic regression analysis included maternal age, parity, education, health insurance, mode of birth, inadequate breastfeeding support, lack of early breastfeeding initiation, lack of full rooming-in, birth attendant, perceived healthcare professionalism and attention, facility room cleanliness, timing of birth, and location of birth.Results from the study indicate the decline in exclusive breastfeeding rates in the WHO European Region during the COVID-19 pandemic. Using the socio-ecological model to identify factors associated with breastfeeding outcomes facilitates an integrated and holistic approach to address breastfeeding needs among women across the region. These findings demonstrate the need to augment breastfeeding support and to protect exclusive breastfeeding among mother-infant dyads, in an effort to reverse the declining exclusive breastfeeding rates. The study highlights the need to educate mothers and their families about the importance of exclusive breastfeeding, reduce maternal-infant separation, increase professional breastfeeding support, and follow evidence-based practice guidelines to promote breastfeeding in a comprehensive and multi-level manner.Clinical Trials NCT04847336.
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| 3. |
- Clarke, Mike, et al.
(författare)
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OptiBIRTH: a cluster randomised trial of acomplex intervention to increase vaginalbirth after caesarean section
- 2020
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Ingår i: BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1471-2393 .- 1471-2393.
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background: Despite evidence supporting the safety of vaginal birth after caesarean section (VBAC), rates are lowin many countries.Methods: OptiBIRTH investigated the effects of a woman-centred intervention designed to increase VBAC ratesthrough an unblinded cluster randomised trial in 15 maternity units with VBAC rates < 35% in Germany, Ireland andItaly. Sites were matched in pairs or triplets based on annual birth numbers and VBAC rate, and randomised, 1:1 or 2:1, intervention versus control, following trial registration. The intervention involved evidence-based education ofclinicians and women with one previous caesarean section (CS), appointment of opinion leaders, audit/peer review,and joint discussions by women and clinicians. Control sites provided usual care. Primary outcome was annualhospital-level VBAC rates before the trial (2012) versus final year of the trial (2016). Between April 2014 and October2015, 2002 women were recruited (intervention 1195, control 807), with mode-of-birth data available for 1940women.Results: The OptiBIRTH intervention was feasible and safe across hospital settings in three countries. There was nostatistically significant difference in the change in the proportion of women having a VBAC between interventionsites (25.6% in 2012 to 25.1% in 2016) and control sites (18.3 to 22.3%) (odds ratio adjusted for differences betweenintervention and control groups (2012) and for homogeneity in VBAC rates at sites in the countries: 0.87, 95% CI:0.67, 1.14, p = 0.32 based on 5674 women (2012) and 5284 (2016) with outcome data. Among recruited womenwith birth data, 4/1147 perinatal deaths > 24 weeks gestation occurred in the intervention group (0.34%) and 4/782in the control group (0.51%), and two uterine ruptures (one per group), a rate of 1:1000.Conclusions: Changing clinical practice takes time. As elective repeat CS is the most common reason for CS inmultiparous women, interventions that are feasible and safe and that have been shown to lead to decreasingrepeat CS, should be promoted. Continued research to refine the best way of promoting VBAC is essential. Thismay best be done using an implementation science approach that can modify evidence-based interventions inresponse to changing clinical circumstances.Trial registration: The OptiBIRTH trial was registered on 3/4/2013. Trial registration number ISRCTN10612254.
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| 4. |
- Costa, Raquel, et al.
(författare)
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Quality of maternal and newborn care around the time of childbirth for migrant versus nonmigrant women during the COVID-19 pandemic: Results of the IMAgiNE EURO study in 11 countries of the WHO European region.
- 2022
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Ingår i: International journal of gynaecology and obstetrics: the official organ of the International Federation of Gynaecology and Obstetrics. - : Wiley. - 1879-3479 .- 0020-7292. ; 159:Suppl 1, s. 39-53
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- To describe the perception of quality of maternal and newborn care (QMNC) around the time of childbirth among migrant and nonmigrant women in Europe.Women who gave birth at a health facility in 11 countries of the WHO European Region from March 2020 to July 2021 were invited to answer an online questionnaire including demographics and childbirth experience. Data were analyzed and compared for 1781 migrant and 20653 nonmigrant women.Migrant women who experienced labor perceived slightly more difficulties in attending routine antenatal visits (41.2% vs 39.4%; P=0.001), more barriers in accessing facilities (32.9% vs 29.9%; P=0.001), lack of timely care (14.7% vs 13.0%; P=0.025), inadequate room comfort and equipment (9.2% vs 8.5%; P=0.004), inadequate number of women per room (9.4% vs 8.6%; P=0.039), being prevented from staying with their baby as they wished (7.8% vs 6.9%; P=0.011), or suffering abuse (14.5% vs 12.7%; P=0.022) compared with nonmigrant women. For women who had a prelabor cesarean, migrant women were more likely not to receive pain relief after birth (16.8% vs.13.5%; P=0.039) and less likely to provide informal payment (1.8% vs 4.4%; P=0.005) compared with nonmigrant women. Overall, the QMNC index was not significantly different for migrant compared with nonmigrant women.Gaps in overall QMNC were reported by both migrant and nonmigrant women, with improvements to healthcare necessary for all.
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| 5. |
- de Labrusse, Claire, et al.
(författare)
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Quality of maternal and newborn care in Switzerland during the COVID-19 pandemic : A cross-sectional study based on WHO quality standards
- 2022
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Ingår i: International Journal of Gynecology and Obstetrics. - : Wiley. - 0020-7292 .- 1879-3479. ; 159:S1, s. 70-84
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Objective: To explore quality of maternal and newborn care (QMNC) in healthcare facilities during the COVID-19 pandemic in Switzerland. Methods: Women giving birth in Switzerland answered a validated online questionnaire including 40 WHO standards-based quality measures. QMNC score was calculated according to linguistic region and mode of birth. Differences were assessed using logistic regression analysis adjusting for relevant variables. Results: A total of 1175 women were included in the analysis. Limitations in QMNC during the pandemic were reported by 328 (27.9%) women. Several quality measures, such as deficient communication (18.0%, n = 212), insufficient number of healthcare professionals (19.7%, n = 231), no information on the newborn after cesarean (26.5%, n = 91) or maternal and newborn danger signs (34.1%, n = 401 and 41.4% n = 487, respectively) suggested preventable gaps in QMNC. Quality measures significantly differed by linguistic region and mode of birth. Multivariate analysis established a significantly lower QMNC for women in French- and Italian-speaking regions compared with the German-speaking region. Moreover, in several quality indicators reflecting communication with healthcare providers, women who did not answer the questionnaire in one of the Swiss national languages had significantly worse scores than others. A significant lower QMNC was also found for young and primiparous women and for those who experienced cesarean or instrumental vaginal birth. Conclusion: Women giving birth in Switzerland during the pandemic reported notable gaps in QMNC. Providers should be attuned to women who are younger, primiparous, and those who had an emergency cesarean or instrumental vaginal birth given the lower QMNC reported by these groups. Women who did not respond in a Swiss national language may need improved communication strategies.
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| 6. |
- Lundgren, Ingela, 1957, et al.
(författare)
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Clinicians' views of factors of importance for improving the rate of VBAC (vaginal birth after caesarean section) : a study from countries with low VBAC rates.
- 2016
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Ingår i: BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1471-2393 .- 1471-2393. ; 16:1
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- BACKGROUND: Caesarean section (CS) rates are increasing worldwide and the most common reason is repeat CS following previous CS. For most women a vaginal birth after a previous CS (VBAC) is a safe option. However, the rate of VBAC differs in an international perspective. Obtaining deeper knowledge of clinicians' views on VBAC can help in understanding the factors of importance for increasing VBAC rates. Focus group interviews with clinicians and women in three countries with high VBAC rates (Finland, Sweden and the Netherlands) and three countries with low VBAC rates (Ireland, Italy and Germany) are part of "OptiBIRTH", an ongoing research project. The study reported here aims to explore the views of clinicians from countries with low VBAC rates on factors of importance for improving VBAC rates.METHODS: Focus group interviews were held in Ireland, Italy and Germany. In total 71 clinicians participated in nine focus group interviews. Five central questions about VBAC were used and interviews were analysed using content analysis. The analysis was performed in each country in the native language and then translated into English. All data were then analysed together and final categories were validated in each country.RESULTS: The findings are presented in four main categories with several sub-categories: 1) "prameters for VBAC", including the importance of the obstetric history, present obstetric factors, a positive attitude among those who are centrally involved, early follow-up after CS and antenatal classes; 2) "organisational support and resources for women undergoing a VBAC", meaning a successful VBAC requires clinical expertise and resources during labour; 3) "fear as a key inhibitor of successful VBAC", including understanding women's fear of childbirth, clinicians' fear of VBAC and the ways that clinicians' fear can be transferred to women; and 4) "shared decision making - rapport, knowledge and confidence", meaning ensuring consistent, realistic and unbiased information and developing trust within the clinician-woman relationship.CONCLUSIONS: The findings indicate that increasing the VBAC rate depends on organisational factors, the care offered during pregnancy and childbirth, the decision-making process and the strategies employed to reduce fear in all involved.
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| 7. |
- Lundgren, Ingela, 1957, et al.
(författare)
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How can the VBAC rates be improved – according to midwives and obstetricians in six European countries.
- 2017
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Ingår i: 31th ICM Trienníal Congress 18-22 June 2017.
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Konferensbidrag (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- Background: The most common reason for caesarean section (CS) is repeat CS following previous CS. Vaginal birth after CS (VBAC) rates vary widely in different healthcare settings and countries. Interview studies with clinicians and women in three countries with high VBAC rates (Finland, Sweden and the Netherlands) and three countries with low VBAC rates (Ireland, Italy and Germany) are part of ‘OptiBIRTH’, a research project funded by EU aiming to increase VBAC rates across Europe through enhanced woman-centred maternity care. Purpose/Objective: To investigate the views of clinicians on factors of importance for improving VBAC rates. Method: Individual interviews and focus group interviews with clinicians in six countries with high and low VBAC rates were conducted during 2012–2013. 115 clinicians participated: 61 midwives and 54 physicians. Five questions about VBAC were used and interviews were analysed using content analysis. The analysis was performed in each country in the native language, translated into English, analysed together, and finally categories were validated in each country. Key Findings: According to midwives and obstetricians from countries with high VBAC rates, the important factors for improving the VBAC rate are a common approach, obstetricians’ final decision on the mode of birth, support during birth, and the strengthening of women’s trust in VBAC. Therefore the structure of the maternity care system in the country, cooperation between midwives and obstetricians, and the care offered during pregnancy and birth should be focused. Findings from the low VBAC countries will be presented at the conference and shows similarities in some aspects but also major differences. Discussion: Similarities and differences between factors of importance for improving the VBAC rate are related to both the care structure, and the views and attitudes of midwives and physicians, which has implications for the care of women post CS.
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| 8. |
- Nilsson, Christina, 1959, et al.
(författare)
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Vaginal Birth After Caesarean: Views of women from countries with low VBAC rates
- 2017
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Ingår i: Women and Birth. - : Elsevier BV. - 1871-5192 .- 1878-1799. ; 30:6, s. 481-490
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Problem and background: Vaginal birth after caesarean section is a safe option for the majority of women. Seeking women´s views can be of help in understanding factors of importance for achieving vaginal birth in countries where the vaginal birth rates after caesarean is low. Aim: To investigate women’s views on important factors to improve the rate of vaginal birth after caesarean in countries where vaginal birth rates after caesarean rates are low. Methods: A qualitative study using content analysis. Data were gathered through focus groups and individual interviews with 51 women, in their native languages, in Germany, Ireland and Italy. The women were asked five questions about vaginal birth after caesarean. Data were translated to English, analysed together and finally validated in each country. Findings: Important factors for the women were that all involved in caring for them were of the same opinion about vaginal birth after caesarean section, thet they experience shared decision-making with clinicians supportive of vaginal birth, receive correct information, are sufficently prepared for a vaginal birth, and experience a culture that supports vaginal birth after caesarean section. Discussion and conclusion: Women’s decision-making about vaginal birth after caesarean in these countries involves a complex, multidimensional interplay of medical, psychological, social, cultural, personal and practical considerations. Further research is needed to explore if the information deficit women report negatively affects their ability to make informed choices, and to understand what matters most to women when making decisions about vaginal birth after caesarean as a mode of birth.
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| 9. |
- Sinclair, Marlene, et al.
(författare)
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Assisting women in autonomous decision making about vaginal birth after C section (VBAC): Designing motivational Apps in OptiBIRTH cluster randomised trial (ISRCTN10612254
- 2017
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Ingår i: 31th ICM Triennial Congress 18-22 June 2017.
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Konferensbidrag (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- Background: Optibirth is a funded FP7 research programme using a cluster randomised trial in Ireland, Germany and Italy, with 15 clusters of 94 women per cluster. The aim of OptiBIRTH is to evaluate the effectiveness of a complex intervention aimed at increased VBAC rates through enhanced women-centred care1 .The intervention consisted of motivationally enhanced, evidence-based, educational information for women and clinicians for use in face to face and online modes. Purpose/Objective: This paper reports the design process associated with creating three interrelated mobile apps, as part of a complex intervention, to enable women with a previous caesarean section to decide autonomously between a repeat caesarean section and a vaginal birth. The emphasis has been on using technology creatively and effectively maximizing optimality bearing in mind the needs of the new “Z” generation. Method: Focus groups were undertaken across six European countries to illicit women’s need for information about caesarean section and VBAC. Motivational theory underpinned the development of subsequent e-learning materials to enhance woman-led-decision-making. Ethical approval was obtained from Trinity College University, Dublin. Following analysis of focus group data, consultation with experts and exploration of technological solutions, three electronic applications were designed. Following three iterations, the Apps were reviewed for content, motivational design and functionality by Irish, German and Italian midwifery experts and translated into German and Italian. Key Findings: The following interrelated Apps were designed to provide women and health professionals with rapid access to women’s perceptions of their previous birth experience and their current decision-making-in-progress: “My birth story” uses a wordle to communicate past birth experience “My birth thoughts” enables women to communicate their current decision making “My Birth plan” generates a personalised birth plan Discussion: Discussion will focus on challenges facing midwives including, embedding the Apps into a motivationally-designed portal, staff support and training, timeline, cultural differences and translation issues
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