Balance of information
Participants in all groups interviewed believed the consent process was
acceptable and the information provided was sufficient given the
circumstances.
‘Considering I was bleeding, they discussed it very calmly, they
went through what it was that was being used, and I had absolutely no
objections because it’s it was explained that it was something to help
the stop the bleeding and I was bleeding, so I was like ‘yes, that’s
fine.’ (Woman 04)
The approach was viewed as reasonable and neither women nor their birth
partners felt that there was any pressure to participate.
‘It didn’t seem like there was any pressure. It was sort of
explained that it was a new device erm that was being trialled that was
to help people and erm it could be beneficial.’ (Birth partner 5)
Women suggested that they needed only to be provided with sufficient
relevant pertinent information to make a decision.
‘I think more than enough information at the time. I think if I’d
been given too much information it would have bogged me down. You don’t
need to know all this information now, you need to know enough
information to give informed consent.’ (Woman 02)
Despite provision of information in advance, many women were unaware of
the study at the time of labour. However, women stated they did not
necessarily want information about something that may not happen to
them. This was even in the case for one woman who had previously
experienced a PPH.
‘Probably not [want information] because then you’re receiving
information about something that may or may not be used, and I’d rather
be told if it’s being used in the situation where it needs to be used,
as opposed to just having the information “oh this is something that
could be used”.’ (Woman 04)
Partners conversely would have rather received information in advance as
they were mostly unaware of the risks of PPH.
‘I think shouldn’t this information have been given to her before
she er went into labour so even if it was in her notes, you know, this
could be an option, do you consent that if it needs be in an emergency
that we use this?’ (Partner 10)
Only one woman had provided consent in advance, at antenatal clinic, and
was keen for the device to be used.