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.