Antenatal provision of additional information about the role of students in the labour suite and their subsequent involvement in care: a randomised controlled trial.
To determine whether the antenatal provision of additional information to pregnant women about the roles of medical and midwifery students in the labour suite increases their actual and theoretical involvement in care during labour, 624 pregnant women booked for delivery at Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, Dundee were randomised at 34 weeks gestation to receive either a specifically produced information leaflet through the post on the roles of medical and midwifery students in the labour suite, or no additional information. Post delivery and following discharge, women were asked to complete a questionnaire about people who were involved in their care during labour. There were no significant differences in a women's willingness (actual or theoretical) to have medical or midwifery students involved in their care between women who received additional information and those who did not. Of those women who had a student present during labour, midwifery students were significantly more involved in all care activities than medical students (p<0.01 for all activities), with the exception of vaginal examination. Women who did not have a student present because one was not available, but who indicated that they would have allowed a student to participate in their care if one had been available, were significantly more likely to allow a midwifery student to perform vaginal examinations, assist with delivery and attend the baby than medical students (p<0.01 for all activities). They would allow equal participation in other activities. For both groups of students, these women appeared to be willing for significantly more active involvement in care than is happening in practice.
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, Dundee, UK.
Gary
G
Mires
Fiona
F
Williams
Wendy
W
McGeoghie
Jennifer
J
Watson
Peter
P
Howie