Skip to main content

Research Repository

Advanced Search

Managing an impacted fetal head at caesarean section: a UK survey of healthcare professionals and parents

Hanley, Stephanie J.; Walker, Kate F.; Wakefield, Natalie; Plachcinski, Rachel; Pallotti, Phoebe; Tempest, Nicola; Pillai, Arani; Thornton, Jim; Jones, Nia; Mitchell, Eleanor J.

Managing an impacted fetal head at caesarean section: a UK survey of healthcare professionals and parents Thumbnail


Authors

Stephanie J. Hanley

KATE WALKER Kate.Walker@nottingham.ac.uk
Clinical Professor

Natalie Wakefield

Rachel Plachcinski

Phoebe Pallotti

Nicola Tempest

Arani Pillai

Jim Thornton

Nia Jones



Abstract

Objective(s)
To understand current practice, expertise and training requirements for management of an impacted fetal head (IFH) at caesarean section (CS) in the UK, and whether a clinical trial of techniques to manage an IFH is acceptable.

Study design
Five hundred and thirty-eight online surveys were completed by obstetricians (n = 206), obstetric anaesthetists (n = 38), midwives (n = 35) and parents (n = 259). Data was collected on incidences of CS and IFH, current use of techniques, and acceptability of a clinical trial to manage an IFH from health care professionals. Information on incidences of CS and recollection of an IFH, acceptability of techniques, and likelihood of taking part in a clinical trial were sought from parents.

Results
The most common technique used by obstetricians (84%) and midwives (69%) was the ‘push technique’. Eighty-seven percent of health care professionals would be willing to participate in a clinical trial, with 89% confirming that results would guide their clinical practice. Most parents expressed reluctance regarding participation in a clinical trial during labour (62%), due to preferring a doctor to adopt the technique they felt most comfortable with (63%).

Conclusion(s)
Given the lack of national guidance on appropriate techniques, no formal training, and no consensus on best practice for the management of an IFH during emergency CS, it is perhaps not surprising that the majority of heath care professionals would be willing to participate in a clinical trial, where results will guide their clinical practice. The future development of clinical trials, involving relevant stakeholders in the design of such trials, is crucial to improve upon the guidance and training provided to staff who may encounter an IFH.

Citation

Hanley, S. J., Walker, K. F., Wakefield, N., Plachcinski, R., Pallotti, P., Tempest, N., …Mitchell, E. J. (2022). Managing an impacted fetal head at caesarean section: a UK survey of healthcare professionals and parents. European Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, 271, 88-92. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejogrb.2022.01.033

Journal Article Type Article
Acceptance Date Jan 21, 2022
Online Publication Date Feb 7, 2022
Publication Date Apr 1, 2022
Deposit Date Feb 15, 2022
Publicly Available Date Feb 23, 2022
Journal European Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Reproductive Biology
Print ISSN 0301-2115
Electronic ISSN 1872-7654
Publisher Elsevier
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 271
Pages 88-92
DOI https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejogrb.2022.01.033
Keywords Obstetrics and Gynecology; Reproductive Medicine
Public URL https://nottingham-repository.worktribe.com/output/7467972
Publisher URL https://www.ejog.org/article/S0301-2115(22)00046-X/fulltext

Files





You might also like



Downloadable Citations