Accepted for/Published in: JMIR Research Protocols
Date Submitted: Aug 14, 2020
Date Accepted: Jan 19, 2021
Breeching protocol: A mixed methods study protocol to develop a breech specific Integrated Care Pathway
ABSTRACT
Background:
Developing an integrated care pathway with multidisciplinary input to standardise and streamline care for pregnant women experiencing a breech presentation at 36 or more weeks gestation poses several challenges due to the divisive and contentious nature of the phenomenon. While many clinicians report being interested in obtaining the skills required to safely support women desiring a vaginal breech birth, the primary trend in the majority of health care facilities is to recommend caesarean section.
Objective:
The objective of this paper is to describe the design of a Delphi study which was used to achieve consensus regarding the care of women experiencing a breech presenting fetus close to or at term (36 or more weeks gestation). This protocol has the potential to be used as a research framework for future studies of a similar nature.
Methods:
A heterogeneous sample of 20 experts on caring for pregnant women across the childbearing continuum were recruited. Their opinions regarding breech presentation and the recommended care of women experiencing this phenomenon were collected over three rounds of questioning using an electronic Delphi method. When 70% of panellists responded between Somewhat Agree to Strongly Agree or Somewhat Disagree to Strongly Disagree, consensus was considered reached. While no funding was received for this study, the lead author’s received fee support from the Australian Government Research Training Program.
Results:
The data collection for this study began in November 2018 and concluded in March 2020. Data analysis is currently taking place and the results will be disseminated through publication when analysis is complete.
Conclusions:
The results of this study will guide the development of an integrated care pathway for women experiencing a breech presentation close to, or at term, with the hope of moving towards standardised breech care for women in Western Australia.
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Copyright
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