Learning Disability Awareness Week – 17th-23rd June 2024
17 June 2024
Bridging Gaps in Maternity Care: RealBirth’s Impact on Inclusive Support and Efficiency
25 June 2024Context:
The provision of antenatal classes is integral to preparing expectant mothers for childbirth, with Quality Statement 22 (NICE, 2012) emphasizing the importance of accessible antenatal care. In line with this, the Core20PLUS5 approach (NHS England, 2021) aims to reduce health inequalities in maternity settings. The Real Birth Company endeavours to broaden access to antenatal training through its online workshop, The Real Birth Workshop, which is designed to prepare women for childbirth and is adaptable to various linguistic preferences.
Objective:
To evaluate the impact of RealBirth on both expectant mothers and healthcare professionals, particularly in enhancing accessibility and addressing health inequalities in maternity care settings.
Methodology:
Unity Insights, commissioned by Health Innovation Kent Surrey Sussex and The Real Birth Company, conducted a comprehensive evaluation of The Real Birth Workshop. This assessment involved patient and staff surveys to gauge satisfaction, ease of use, and perceived benefits. Additionally, demographic data was analysed to assess the workshop's uptake among different population groups.
Results:
Patient surveys revealed that 70% found The Real Birth Workshop helpful during labour, and 85% would recommend it post-labour.
Staff surveys indicated 100% agreement on the workshop's ease of use, comfort in referring patients, ability to provide tailored care, and perceived improvement in patient outcomes.
Higher uptake of the workshop was observed among Black and Asian women populations compared to the overall trust population, with statistically significant differences noted for Black women.
Recommendations:
Implement longitudinal data collection to assess the sustained impact of The Real Birth Workshop.
Clearly define responsibilities at implementation sites to ensure effective utilisation.
Standardise survey language and response scales for consistency and reliable data comparison.
Optimize the information structure for maximum impact on participants.
Conclusion:
The Real Birth Workshop demonstrates acceptability and perceived benefits among both staff and patients, aligning with the accessibility goals outlined in Quality Statement 22 of NICE guidance. While its impact on health inequalities remains currently inconclusive, further investigation has commenced to ascertain the alignment with the Core20PLUS5 approach.
This case study highlights the potential of innovative approaches, such as online workshops, to enhance accessibility and improve outcomes in antenatal care.
25 June 2024Empowering Antenatal Support: Real Birth Training in Sure Start Projects
Sure Start projects in Northern Ireland offer essential services to families from the antenatal stage up to the child's fourth birthday.
25 June 2024Bridging Gaps in Maternity Care: RealBirth’s Impact on Inclusive Support and Efficiency
Since its launch in 2017, RealBirth has been a vital source of support for expectant mothers, particularly those from underrepresented ....
25 June 2024Enhancing Access to Antenatal Training: A Case Study of The Real Birth Workshop
The provision of antenatal classes is integral to preparing expectant mothers for childbirth, with Quality Statement 22 (NICE, 2012) ....
