Midwife-led continuity models versus other models of care for childbearing women.

BACKGROUND: Midwives are primary providers of care for childbearing women around the world. However, there is a lack of synthesised information to establish whether there are differences in morbidity and mortality, effectiveness and psychosocial outcomes between midwife-led continuity models and other models of care. OBJECTIVES: To compare midwife-led continuity models of care with other models of care for childbearing women and their infants. SEARCH METHODS: We searched the Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group's Trials Register (31 May 2015) and reference lists of retrieved studies. SELECTION CRITERIA: All published and unpublished trials in which pregnant women are randomly allocated to midwife-led continuity models of care or other models of care during pregnancy and birth. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two review authors independently assessed trials for inclusion and risk of bias, extracted data and checked them for accuracy. MAIN RESULTS: We included 15 trials involving 17,674 women. We assessed the quality of the trial evidence for all primary outcomes (i.e., regional analgesia (epidural/spinal), caesarean birth, instrumental vaginal birth (forceps/vacuum), spontaneous vaginal birth, intact perineum, preterm birth (less than 37 weeks) and overall fetal loss and neonatal death (fetal loss was assessed by gestation using 24 weeks as the cut-off for viability in many countries) using the GRADE methodology: All primary outcomes were graded as of high quality.For the primary outcomes, women who had midwife-led continuity models of care were less likely to experience regional analgesia (average risk ratio (RR) 0.85, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.78 to 0.92; participants = 17,674; studies = 14; high quality), instrumental vaginal birth (average RR 0.90, 95% CI 0.83 to 0.97; participants = 17,501; studies = 13; high quality), preterm birth less than 37 weeks (average RR 0.76, 95% CI 0.64 to 0.91; participants = 13,238; studies = 8; high quality) and less overall fetal/neonatal death (average RR 0.84, 95% CI 0.71 to 0.99; participants = 17,561; studies = 13; high quality evidence). Women who had midwife-led continuity models of care were more likely to experience spontaneous vaginal birth (average RR 1.05, 95% CI 1.03 to 1.07; participants = 16,687; studies = 12; high quality). There were no differences between groups for caesarean births or intact perineum.For the secondary outcomes, women who had midwife-led continuity models of care were less likely to experience amniotomy (average RR 0.80, 95% CI 0.66 to 0.98; participants = 3253; studies = 4), episiotomy (average RR 0.84, 95% CI 0.77 to 0.92; participants = 17,674; studies = 14) and fetal loss/neonatal death before 24 weeks (average RR 0.81, 95% CI 0.67 to 0.98; participants = 15,645; studies = 11). Women who had midwife-led continuity models of care were more likely to experience no intrapartum analgesia/anaesthesia (average RR 1.21, 95% CI 1.06 to 1.37; participants = 10,499; studies = 7), have a longer mean length of labour (hours) (mean difference (MD) 0.50, 95% CI 0.27 to 0.74; participants = 3328; studies = 3) and more likely to be attended at birth by a known midwife (average RR 7.04, 95% CI 4.48 to 11.08; participants = 6917; studies = 7). There were no differences between groups for fetal loss or neonatal death more than or equal to 24 weeks, induction of labour, antenatal hospitalisation, antepartum haemorrhage, augmentation/artificial oxytocin during labour, opiate analgesia, perineal laceration requiring suturing, postpartum haemorrhage, breastfeeding initiation, low birthweight infant, five-minute Apgar score less than or equal to seven, neonatal convulsions, admission of infant to special care or neonatal intensive care unit(s) or in mean length of neonatal hospital stay (days).Due to a lack of consistency in measuring women's satisfaction and assessing the cost of various maternity models, these outcomes were reported narratively. The majority of included studies reported a higher rate of maternal satisfaction in midwife-led continuity models of care. Similarly, there was a trend towards a cost-saving effect for midwife-led continuity care compared to other care models. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: This review suggests that women who received midwife-led continuity models of care were less likely to experience intervention and more likely to be satisfied with their care with at least comparable adverse outcomes for women or their infants than women who received other models of care.Further research is needed to explore findings of fewer preterm births and fewer fetal deaths less than 24 weeks, and overall fetal loss/neonatal death associated with midwife-led continuity models of care

Implementation of national antenatal hypertension guidelines: a multicentre multiple methods study.

OBJECTIVE:To evaluate the implementation of National Institute for Health and Care Excellence antenatal hypertension guidelines, to identify strategies to reduce incidences of severe hypertension and associated maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality in pregnant women with chronic hypertension. METHODS:We used a multiple method multisite approach to establish implementation of guidelines and the associated barriers and facilitators. We used a national survey of healthcare professionals (n=97), case notes review (n=55) and structured observations (n=42) to assess implementation. The barriers and facilitators to implementation were identified from semistructured qualitative interviews with healthcare professionals (n=13) and pregnant women (n=18) using inductive thematic analysis. The findings were integrated and evaluated using the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS:Pregnant women with chronic hypertension and their principal carers (obstetricians, midwives and physicians), at three National Health Service hospital trusts with different models of care. RESULTS:We found severe hypertension to be prevalent (46% of case notes reviewed) and target blood pressure practices to be suboptimal (56% of women had an antenatal blood pressure target documented). Women were infrequently given information (52%) or offered choice (19%) regarding antihypertensives. Women (14/18) reported internal conflict in taking antihypertensives and non-adherence was prevalent (8/18). Women who were concordant with treatment recommendations described having mutual trust with professionals mediated through appropriate information, side effect management and involvement in decision making. Professionals reported needing updates and tools for target blood pressure setting and shared decision making underpinned by antihypertensive safety and effectiveness research. CONCLUSIONS:Women's non-adherence to antihypertensives is higher than anticipated. Suboptimal information provision around treatment, choice of antihypertensives and target setting practices by healthcare professionals may be contributory. Understanding the reasons for non-adherence will inform education and decision-making strategies needed to address both clinician and women's behaviour. Further research into the effectiveness and long-term safety of common antihypertensives is also required

Picosecond laser ranging at wavelengths up to 2.4 μm using an InAs avalanche photodiode

Time-of-flight measurements using pulsed laser illumination in the wavelength region between 1.3 to 2.37 μm have been demonstrated with an InAs avalanche photodiode (APD). InAs is photo-sensitive at wavelengths up to 3.5 μm and with predominantly electron multipli- cation reducing detector noise, InAs APDs have clear potential for sen- sitive optical measurements of picosecond transients in the mid-wave infrared. Laboratory-based demonstrations of time-of-flight ranging using InAs APDs operated at room temperature is described

Implementation of midwifery continuity of care models for Indigenous women in Australia: Perspectives and reflections for the United Kingdom

© 2018 Maternity models that provide midwifery continuity of care have been established to increase access to appropriate services for Indigenous Australian women. Understanding the development and implementation of continuity models for Indigenous women in Australia provides useful insights for the development and implementation of similar models in other contexts such as those for vulnerable and socially disadvantaged women living in the United Kingdom. To ensure better health outcomes for mothers and babies, it is crucial to promote culturally competent and safe public health models in which midwives work collaboratively with the multidisciplinary team

Developing shared understanding of pre-eclampsia in Haiti and Zimbabwe using Theory of Change

Pre-eclampsia, a complex and multi-system disorder specific to pregnancy, is a leading cause of preventable maternal and perinatal deaths in low-resource settings. Early detection and appropriate intervention with management of hypertension, prevention of eclampsia and timely delivery are effective at reducing mortality and morbidity. Outcomes can be greatly improved with the provision and uptake of good quality care. Cultural contexts of maternal care, social practices and expectations around pregnancy and childbirth profoundly shape understanding and prioritisation when it comes to seeking out care. Few studies have addressed health education specifically targeting pre-eclampsia in low resource settings. The existing literature has limited descriptions of contextual barriers to care or of the intervention development processes employed. More engaging, holistic approaches to pre-eclampsia education for women and families that recognise the challenges they face and that support a shared understanding of the disorder, are needed. We describe our experience of developing a Theory of Change (ToC) as part of the co-production of educational resources for pre-eclampsia in Haiti and Zimbabwe

Protocol for the IMPART study: IMplementation of the preterm birth surveillance PAthway – a RealisT evaluation

Introduction New guidance, from NHS England (Saving Babies Lives Care Bundle Version 2 Element 5 (SBLCBv2)) has recommended a best practice pathway for women at risk of preterm birth (the Preterm Birth Pathway). This is to help meet the Department of Health’s aim to reduce preterm birth from 8% to 6% by 2025. Considering most hospitals do not currently have a preterm prevention clinic, implementing this pathway will require significant coordination. Methods and analysis The study will aim to investigate key features of contexts, mechanisms and outcomes, and their interactions in the implementation of the asymptomatic prediction and prevention components of the SBLCBv2 Preterm Birth Surveillance Pathway. This will be through a theory driven realist evaluation, utilising mixed methods (interviews with staff and women, observational analysis and analysing routinely collected hospital and admin data) in three case sites in England. The study has a Project Advisory Group composed of five women who have recently given birth. Ethics and dissemination The study has ethical approval (King’s College London REC approval number: MRSP-20/21-20955, and, IRAS:289144). A dissemination plan will be fully created with the Project Advisory Group, and we anticipate this will include presenting at conferences, publications, webinars, alongside dissemination to the wider population through parent and baby groups, the media and charities. Trial registration number ISRCTN57127874

Project 20: Midwives’ insight into continuity of care models for women with social risk factors: what works, for whom, in what circumstances, and how

Introduction Continuity of care models are known to improve clinical outcomes for women and their babies, but it is not understood how. A realist synthesis of how women with social risk factors experience UK maternity care reported mechanisms thought to improve clinical outcomes and experiences. As part of a broader programme of work to test those theories and fill gaps in the literature base we conducted focus groups with midwives working within continuity of care models of care for women with social factors that put them at a higher chance of having poor birth outcomes. These risk factors can include poverty and social isolation, asylum or refugee status, domestic abuse, mental illness, learning difficulties, and substance abuse problems. Objective To explore the insights of midwives working in continuity models of care for women with social risk factors in order to understand the resources they provide, and how the model of care can improve women’s outcomes. Design Realist methodology was used to gain a deeper understanding of how women react to specific resources that the models of care offer and how these resources are thought to lead to particular outcomes for women. Twelve midwives participated, six from a continuity of care model implemented in a community setting serving an area of deprivation in London, and six from a continuity of care model for women with social risk factors, based within a large teaching hospital in London. Findings Three main themes were identified: ‘Perceptions of the model of care, ‘Tailoring the service to meet women’s needs’, ‘Going above and beyond’. Each theme is broken down into three subthemes to reveal specific resources or mechanisms which midwives felt might have an impact on women’s outcomes, and how women with different social risk factors respond to these mechanisms. Conclusions/implications for practice Overall the midwives in both models of care felt the service was beneficial to women and had a positive impact on their outcomes. It was thought the trusting relationships they had built with women enabled midwives to guide women through a fragmented, unfamiliar system and respond to their individual physical, emotional, and social needs, whilst ensuring follow-up of appointments and test results. Midwives felt that for these women the impact of a trusting relationship affected how much information women disclosed, allowing for enhanced, needs led, holistic care. Interesting mechanisms were identified when discussing women who had social care involvement with midwives revealing techniques they used to advocate for women and help them to regain trust in the system and demonstrate their parenting abilities. Differences in how each team provided care and its impact on women’s outcomes were considered with the midwives in the community-based model reporting how their location enabled them to help women integrate into their local community and make use of specialist services. The study demonstrates the complexity of these models of care, with midwives using innovative and compassionate ways of working to meet the multifaceted needs of this population

Effect of the CRADLE vital signs alert device intervention on referrals for obstetric haemorrhage in low-middle income countries: a secondary analysis of a stepped- wedge cluster-randomised control trial.

BACKGROUND: Obstetric haemorrhage is the leading cause of maternal death worldwide, 99% of which occur in low and middle income countries. The majority of deaths and adverse events are associated with delays in identifying compromise and escalating care. Management of severely compromised pregnant women may require transfer to tertiary centres for specialised treatment, therefore early recognition is vital for efficient management. The CRADLE vital signs alert device accurately measures blood pressure and heart rate, calculates the shock index (heart rate divided by systolic blood pressure) and alerts the user to compromise through a traffic light system reflecting previously validated shock index thresholds. METHODS: This is a planned secondary analysis of data from the CRADLE-3 trial from ten clusters across Africa, India and Haiti where the device and training package were randomly introduced. Referral data were prospectively collected for a 4-week period before, and a 4-week period 3 months after implementation. Referrals from primary or secondary care facilities to higher level care for any cause were recorded. The denominator was the number of women seen for maternity care in these facilities. RESULTS: Between April 1 2016 and Nov 30th, 2017 536,223 women attended maternity care facilities. Overall, 3.7% (n = 2784/74,828) of women seen in peripheral maternity facilities were referred to higher level care in the control period compared to 4.4% (n = 3212/73,371) in the intervention period (OR 0.89; 0.39-2.05) (data for nine sites that were able to collect denominator). Of these 0.29% (n = 212) pre-intervention and 0.16% (n = 120) post-intervention were referred to higher-level facilities for maternal haemorrhage. Although overall referrals did not significantly reduce there was a significant reduction in referrals for obstetric haemorrhage (OR 0.56 (0.39-0.65) following introduction of the device with homogeneity (i-squared 26.1) between sites. There was no increase in any bleeding-related morbidity (maternal death or emergency hysterectomy). CONCLUSIONS: Referrals for obstetric haemorrhage reduced following implementation of the CRADLE Vital Signs Alert Device, occurring without an increase in maternal death or emergency hysterectomy. This demonstrates the potential benefit of shock index in management pathways for obstetric haemorrhage and targeting limited resources in low- middle- income settings. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This study is registered with the ISRCTN registry, number ISRCTN41244132 (02/02/2016)

Gain in p-doped quantum dot lasers

We directly measure the gain and threshold characteristics of three quantum dot laser structures that are identical except for the level of modulation doping. The maximum modal gain increases at fixed quasi-Fermi level separation as the nominal number of acceptors increases from 0 to 15 to 50 per dot. These results are consistent with a simple model where the available electrons and holes are distributed over the dot, wetting layer, and quantum well states according to Fermi-Dirac statistics. The nonradiative recombination rate at fixed quasi-Fermi level separation is also higher for the p-doped samples leading to little increase in the gain that can be achieved at a fixed current density. However, we demonstrate that in other similar samples, where the difference in the measured nonradiative recombination is less pronounced, p doping can lead to a higher modal gain at a fixed current density