Identifying priorities for prepared childbirth research

Area of Science:

• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Maternal Health Research
• Childbirth Education

Background:

• Prepared childbirth education is crucial for maternal and infant outcomes.
• Identifying research gaps in prepared childbirth is essential for advancing evidence-based practices.
• Expert consensus is valuable for prioritizing future research directions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify and prioritize research needs in prepared childbirth.
• To gather expert opinions from childbirth educators and maternity nurses.
• To categorize research priorities into prenatal, labor/delivery, postpartum, and complication areas.

Main Methods:

• A statewide Delphi study was conducted.
• Childbirth educators and maternity nurses participated in the study.
• A consensus-building approach was used to prioritize 50 research items.

Main Results:

• Fifty research items were prioritized across four categories: Prenatal Education/Preparation, Labor and Delivery (normal), Postpartum, and Complications.
• Specific research needs within prepared childbirth were identified by the expert groups.
• A high level of consensus was observed, with some notable differences among participants.

Conclusions:

• The study highlights critical areas for future research in prepared childbirth.
• Expert consensus provides a roadmap for advancing the field of prepared childbirth.
• Further investigation is needed in specific areas identified by educators and nurses.