Quality of Information Provided During Antenatal Consultations
This study aims to understand if the information parents receive during antenatal (pregnancy) appointments accurately prepares them for what happens after their baby is born, particularly if their baby has conditions like congenital anomalies (birth defects) or is born prematurely. Researchers are using a questionnaire to ask parents about their experiences. They want to compare what parents were told by doctors before the birth with what they actually went through with their baby in the hospital. The goal is to see if communication can be improved so parents feel more informed and supported when facing unexpected health challenges with their newborns.
At a glance
What is this study about?
This study looks into how well the information given to parents during their pregnancy appointments, often called antenatal consultations, matches their real-life experiences once their baby is born. Specifically, it focuses on parents whose babies needed care in the neonatology department, often because of conditions present from birth (congenital anomalies) or because they were born early (prematurely).
Doctors and nurses try their best to explain potential health issues and what to expect during pregnancy. However, sometimes it can be hard for parents to fully understand or remember everything, especially when they're feeling worried. This study uses a survey to ask parents about their experiences. They'll be asked if the information they received during pregnancy helped them understand and cope with what happened after their baby arrived.
The findings from this study are important because they can help improve how medical teams talk to expecting parents. By understanding where the gaps might be between what's said and what's experienced, healthcare providers can make sure parents are better prepared, feel more supported, and receive clearer information during what can be a very stressful time.
Key takeaways
- This study aims to improve communication between doctors and parents during pregnancy.
- It focuses on parents whose babies needed special care after birth.
- Participation involves completing a questionnaire about your experiences.
- Your input could help future parents feel more informed and prepared.
- There are no physical risks, only the potential to recall past experiences.
Who may be eligible?
This study is looking for mothers who had their babies between January 2020 and December 2022. For you to be included, your baby must have stayed in the neonatology department after birth, which is a special ward for newborn babies who need extra care.
You also needed to have had at least one appointment with a children's doctor (a neonatologist) while you were pregnant. These appointments would have taken place at a specialist centre that deals with prenatal diagnosis, meaning they look for potential health issues in babies before they are born.
However, some mothers would not be able to participate. This includes mothers whose baby sadly died in the hospital or had a condition with a very high risk of dying young. Also, mothers who were not fluent in French, or who were under 18 when the study was conducted, would not be eligible to take part.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- Did you give birth between January 2020 and December 2022?
- Did your newborn baby need to stay in the hospital's neonatology department?
- Did you have at least one antenatal appointment with a pediatric neonatologist during your pregnancy?
- Was your child's condition not one with a very high risk of early death (and did not die in hospital)?
- Are you fluent in French?
- Were you 18 or older at the time the study was being conducted?
What does participation involve?
If you are eligible and agree to take part, your participation would involve completing a questionnaire. This questionnaire will ask about the information you received during your pregnancy appointments and your experiences after your baby was born. There are no medical tests, additional doctor's visits, or medications involved. Your total time commitment would be the time it takes to complete the survey, which you can do at your convenience.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- Femme Mère Enfant Hospital (HFME)Verified postcodeBron, France· Recruiting
Common questions
What is a 'neonatology department'?
It's a special hospital ward where newborn babies who need extra medical care, often due to being born early or having health problems, are looked after.
What are 'congenital anomalies'?
These are health conditions or differences that a baby is born with, sometimes called birth defects.
Do I have to live in France to participate?
Based on the exclusion criteria, the study was designed for French-speaking mothers, implying it took place in a French-speaking region.
Will my answers be kept private?
Yes, all information you provide in the questionnaire will be kept confidential and your individual answers will not be shared.
How long will the questionnaire take to complete?
The study description doesn't specify an exact time, but typically such surveys are designed to be completed within a reasonable timeframe, often less than an hour.
How to find out more
Cosima BABINET
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
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