Strengths and Limitations
A strength of this study was the 360-degree view of the consent process
that not only included those involved in the discussion, but also those
observing. Triangulation of the data allows for greater confidence in
the findings.10 The inclusion of birth partners views
extends previous studies findings related to women and health
professionals.4,11 Data were collected within 3 weeks
of the event, thus avoiding recall bias.
The main study limitation was that only the views of women who consented
to take part were obtained and represented here. We do not know the
views of the women who declined to participate, and whether they were
satisfied with the consent process. Future studies would benefit from
asking these women’s opinions as well.