Relationship
For both women and birth partners the relationship with the obstetrician
caring for the woman was pivotal in the decision to provide verbal
consent. All believed the device would only be suggested for use if it
were in the woman’s best interests and there was considerable trust
evident between the woman, her partner and the obstetrician.
‘We quickly erm had a lot of faith in the professor, so when it
was suggested, yeah I was concerned but the moment that he was willing
to do it, I…I…I knew that she wouldn’t be in any danger.’
(Birth partner 1)
Midwives and obstetricians also believed the relationship was important
in taking consent in this situation. One obstetrician described the
differences between knowing the women and being a stranger entering the
room to take consent.
‘I’ve been in that situation with attempting to recruit for this
study already where I have come in, the lady has still been bleeding
after oxytocin, and you are a stranger coming into the room, erm
explaining about a study that she’s never heard of, and she’s afraid
because she’s been told that she’s still bleeding despite the standard
treatment, and erm understandably, the woman’s said ‘no’ in that erm
situation.’ (Obstetrician 5)