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Abstract
Background Immediate postpartum intrauterine device (PPIUD) insertion is safe and effective but largely unavailable in Europe. Data on maternity staff views on the provision and implementation of PPIUD services are limited. The objective of this qualitative evaluation was to explore the views and experiences of obstetricians and midwives providing PPIUD within a UK maternity setting, in order to identify areas for improvement and inform service provision in other areas.
Methods Qualitative health services research within two public maternity hospitals in Lothian (Edinburgh and surrounding region), UK. Interviews with 30 maternity staff (obstetricians n=8; midwives n=22) involved in PPIUD provision. Data were analysed thematically.
Results Maternity staff were positive about the benefits of PPIUD for women. Midwives reported initial concerns about PPIUD safety, and the impact on workload; these views shifted following training, and as PPIUD was embedded into practice. Having a large pool of PPIUD-trained staff was identified as an important factor in successful service implementation. Having PPIUD ‘champions’ was important to address staff concerns, encourage training uptake, and advocate for the service to ensure continued resourcing.
Conclusions PPIUD in maternity services can help address unmet need for effective contraception in the immediate postpartum period. We emphasise the importance of widespread engagement around PPIUD among all healthcare professionals involved in the care of women, to ensure staff are informed and supported. Clinical champions and leaders play a key role in amplifying the benefits of PPIUD, and advancing organisational learning.
- health services research
- qualitative research
- long-acting reversible contraception
- intrauterine devices
- medicated
- copper
Data availability statement
The data that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.
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- health services research
- qualitative research
- long-acting reversible contraception
- intrauterine devices
- medicated
- copper
Data availability statement
The data that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.
Footnotes
Twitter @NBW80, @CoopMhc, @JeniHarden
Contributors STC, JH, AG, FMcG, SC: original idea and overall study design. NB, JH: qualitative study design, data collection and analysis. MC, STC: led/directly involved in clinical service implementation. NB, JH: initial manuscript preparation. MC, SC, STC, AG: manuscript editing. All authors reviewed the final draft.
Funding The study was funded through a joint Chief Scientist Office and Wellbeing of Women research grant (RG1903). The review process included external (lay and expert) peer review of the scientific content and overall study design. The study funders were not involved in research conduct or manuscript preparation.
Competing interests None declared.
Patient and public involvement Patients and/or the public were involved in the design, or conduct, or reporting, or dissemination plans of this research. Further details are provided in the Methods section.
Provenance and peer review Not commissioned; externally peer reviewed.
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