Not yet recruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

A Digital Educational Resource to Improve Preparedness for Shared Decision Making About Labour Analgesia

This study explores how a new website, The Painless Push, can help pregnant people prepare for decisions about pain relief during labour. Many people feel rushed or unprepared when deciding on pain relief, like an epidural, while in labour. This often means they don't feel fully involved in the choice. The Painless Push website, created by experts, aims to give clear, evidence-based information to help expectant mums understand their options. The study will compare whether using this new website improves how ready people feel to discuss their pain relief choices with their medical team, compared to just using the information currently provided by Mount Sinai Hospital.

At a glance

Status

Not yet recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

Samuel Lunenfeld Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital

Enrolment target

200

Start

01 Apr 2026

Estimated completion

01 Dec 2026

Labour Analgesia

What is this study about?

Imagine you're having a baby, and you need to decide quickly about pain relief. Sometimes, people feel rushed or overwhelmed when making these important choices during labour, especially when they're already in pain. This can lead to feeling unprepared or not fully understanding their options. When patients are well-informed and involved in decisions with their healthcare team, it often leads to greater satisfaction with their care and builds trust.

This study is looking at a new online resource called The Painless Push. It's designed to give pregnant people clear, easy-to-understand information about different ways to manage pain during labour. This resource was developed by a group of doctors called the Society for Obstetric Anesthesia and Perinatology (SOAP), who are experts in pain relief for pregnant people and keeping both mum and baby safe.

The main goal is to see if using The Painless Push website helps expectant mums feel more prepared to talk to their doctors and make decisions about pain relief during labour. The study will compare this new website to the information currently offered by Mount Sinai Hospital's Obstetric Anesthesia department. By comparing these two resources, researchers hope to find the best way to help pregnant people feel confident and informed about their pain relief choices.

Key takeaways

This study evaluates a website (The Painless Push) for labour pain relief information.
It aims to help pregnant people feel more prepared for decision-making during labour.
Participation involves using a website and answering questionnaires.
It compares new digital resources with standard hospital information.
The goal is to improve how patients are involved in their pain relief choices.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for pregnant individuals who are at least 18 years old.

You would need to be visiting the OB clinic at Mount Sinai hospital during your third trimester, which means you are at least 28 weeks pregnant. You should also be expecting only one baby and this should be your first pregnancy (meaning you haven't given birth before). Finally, you should be considering an epidural for pain relief during childbirth.

However, you wouldn't be able to join if you have difficulty with your senses (like hearing or seeing), or if you have learning or thinking difficulties that would make it hard to take part. The study also requires you to be able to understand and communicate in English.

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 at least 18 years old?
Are you pregnant with one baby and this is your first pregnancy?
Are you at least 28 weeks pregnant (in your third trimester)?
Do you attend the OB clinic at Mount Sinai Hospital?
Are you considering an epidural for childbirth pain relief?
Can you understand and speak English well?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

The study does not involve taking any medication or having extra visits. If you join, you would be asked to use either The Painless Push website or the Mount Sinai Obstetric Anesthesia website to learn about labour pain relief. Then, you would complete some questionnaires. These questionnaires will ask about how prepared you feel to make decisions about pain relief during labour. This entire process, including using the website and answering questions, is expected to take a short amount of time, likely less than an hour.

Potential risks and benefits

Potential benefits of taking part include getting access to information that may help you feel more prepared and informed about your pain relief options for labour. While there are no major physical risks, you might find the questionnaires or reviewing the information to be a small time commitment. Remember, your participation is completely voluntary, and you have the right to withdraw from the study at any time without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

Mount Sinai Hospital
Verified postcode
Toronto, Canada

Common questions

What is an epidural?

An epidural is a common type of pain relief used during labour that numbs the lower part of your body.

Why is this study important?

It helps us understand the best way to give pregnant people information so they can make informed choices about pain relief during labour.

Do I have to live near Mount Sinai Hospital to join?

Yes, you need to be attending the OB clinic at Mount Sinai Hospital for your care.

What if I change my mind about participating?

You can leave the study at any time without it affecting your medical care.

Will I get paid for taking part?

The information provided does not mention any payment for participation in this study.

How to find out more

Ronald George, MD

ron.george@uhn.ca 416-586-4800 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.