Pain Science Education for Labour and Postpartum Pain
This study gathers ideas from different medical experts, like midwives, doctors, and pain specialists, to find the best ways to teach women about pain during and after childbirth. This type of teaching, called 'pain science education,' helps people understand pain better, reduce their worries, and cope using different methods. While it's used in other areas, like long-term pain, it's not yet common in maternity care. The goal is to get experts to agree on what this education should cover and how it should be given, so that future studies can test these new teaching approaches to help pregnant women and new mothers.
At a glance
What is this study about?
Childbirth can be a very intense experience, and the pain felt during labour and afterwards can have a big impact on new mothers. While standard antenatal classes might touch on pain, they often don't go into much detail. This can leave women feeling unprepared or anxious.
This study is looking at something called 'pain science education' (PSE). This is a way of understanding pain that goes beyond just the physical feeling. It helps people learn that pain is influenced by many things, including feelings, thoughts, and past experiences. For example, knowing more about how pain works can sometimes help reduce fear, improve coping skills, and support a smoother birth experience. We know PSE has helped people with other types of pain, like ongoing back pain, but we don't yet use it widely for women having babies.
To figure out how best to use PSE in maternity care, this study is bringing together a wide range of experts. These include midwives, physiotherapists, gynaecologists, pain specialists, nurses, and psychologists from different countries. The study uses a special method called a 'Delphi study,' where experts share their ideas anonymously in a few rounds. After each round, they see what others have said and can adjust their own views. This process helps them reach an agreement on what information about pain is most helpful for expectant mothers and how it should be taught. The aim is to create a clear plan for future pain education programmes.
Key takeaways
- Experts are coming together to improve pain education for pregnant women.
- The study focuses on using 'pain science education' in maternity care.
- It aims to reduce fear and help women cope better with labour and postpartum pain.
- Participation involves experts completing anonymous online surveys.
- The goal is to create a plan for future pain education programs.
Who may be eligible?
This study is looking for medical professionals to share their expert opinions, not pregnant women or new mothers. To take part, you need to be an adult (18 years or older) and be able to read and write in English.
You must also have a professional background as one of the following: a registered physiotherapist, a registered midwife, a gynaecologist, a pain management specialist, a nurse, or a psychologist. You need to have relevant clinical experience or have done academic work in pain science education, pain management, or antenatal (pregnancy) education.
If you don't meet these professional criteria, are under 18, or cannot communicate in English, then this particular study is not suitable for you.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- Are you 18 years or older?
- Can you read and write in English?
- Are you a registered physiotherapist, midwife, gynaecologist, pain specialist, nurse, or psychologist?
- Do you have experience in pain management or teaching about pregnancy?
What does participation involve?
If you are an invited expert taking part in this study, you won't need to visit any clinics or attend in person. Instead, you'll be asked to complete three online surveys from your own home or workplace. Each survey round will ask you questions about what you think should be included in pain education for pregnant women and new mothers, and how it should be delivered.
Your answers will be anonymous, and after each round, you'll see a summary of what the group thinks, which might help you refine your own views for the next survey. There are no medications involved. The total time you spend will depend on how long it takes you to complete each survey, but the study will take place over several weeks as each round is completed and analysed.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- Landsdowne CampusVerified postcodeBournemouth, United Kingdom
Common questions
What is 'pain science education'?
It's a way of teaching people to understand pain better, focusing not just on the physical feeling but also on how thoughts, feelings, and experiences can affect it.
Who is this study for?
This study is for healthcare experts like midwives, doctors, and pain specialists to share their knowledge, not for pregnant women or new mothers themselves.
Why is this study important?
It aims to create clear guidelines on how best to teach women about pain during and after childbirth, which could help them feel more prepared and cope better.
What does 'Delphi study' mean?
It's a survey method where experts share their opinions anonymously over several rounds, helping them reach an agreement on a topic where firm evidence is still growing.
Will this education reduce my pain during labour?
This study aims to develop the best ways to teach about pain. While better understanding pain may help with coping and fear, this specific study is not directly testing pain relief methods.
How to find out more
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
Discussion
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