RecruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Study of the Value of Maternal-fetal Transfers and Their Complexity of Their Implementation

This study is looking at how pregnant women are sometimes transferred from smaller maternity units to larger, more specialised hospitals. These transfers are called 'maternal-fetal transfers' (MFTs). The researchers want to understand if some of these transfers, especially for women who might not end up needing that specialist care, could be avoided. They are observing what happens in several maternity units in France to compare how often these transfers happen and whether the women actually end up giving birth at the bigger hospital or if they return home after a short stay. The aim is to identify ways to improve how these transfers are organised. This is important because such transfers can use up a lot of hospital staff, ambulances, and time, and can also be stressful for the pregnant women. By understanding when transfers might be unnecessary, it could help make sure resources are used effectively and that mums-to-be get the right care at the right time.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

Centre Hospitalier Régional Metz-Thionville

Enrolment target

500

Start

01 Apr 2024

Estimated completion

01 Apr 2025

Maternal-Fetal Relations

What is this study about?

Imagine you're pregnant, and your local hospital thinks you might need specialist care that they can't provide, so they arrange for you to be moved to a bigger hospital, often in an ambulance. This is called a 'maternal-fetal transfer' (MFT). This study is all about understanding these transfers better.

The main idea is that sometimes, after a pregnant woman is moved to the bigger hospital, it turns out she didn't actually need that specialist care and might even go home after a day or two without giving birth. This can use up a lot of hospital resources, like staff and ambulances, and can be quite stressful for the mum-to-be and her family.

Researchers want to see how often these "avoidable" transfers happen across several maternity units in France. They're looking at why they happen and what types of pregnancy concerns usually lead to them. By gathering this information, they hope to find ways to make the transfer process smoother and more efficient, ensuring that women who truly need specialist care receive it, while potentially avoiding unnecessary moves for those who don't. This could help hospitals manage their busy teams and ambulances better, and make the experience less worrying for pregnant women.

Key takeaways

The study looks at why pregnant women are moved between hospitals.
It aims to see if some of these transfers could be avoided.
It's an 'observational' study, meaning no extra tests or treatments for you.
The goal is to improve hospital resources and reduce stress for mums-to-be.
Participation involves researchers looking at existing medical records.
Your medical care will not be affected by your decision to participate.

Who may be eligible?

To be part of this study, you would need to be a pregnant woman who is receiving care at one of the participating maternity units in Lorraine and Champagne-Ardenne in France. You also need to be 18 years old or older.

The study would look at your information if a maternal-fetal transfer was considered for you, whether that transfer actually happened or not.

People would not be included in the study if there is important information missing about what happened after a transfer was considered or completed.

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.

Am I pregnant and receiving care at a participating maternity unit in Lorraine or Champagne-Ardenne (France)?
Am I 18 years old or older?
Has a maternal-fetal transfer been considered or happened for me?
Is all my medical information complete and available?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

As this is an observational study, it wouldn't involve you doing anything extra. You wouldn't need to attend special visits, take any medication, or have additional assessments. The researchers would simply observe and collect information from your existing medical records regarding any discussions or actual maternal-fetal transfers that happen during your pregnancy care. The total duration of your participation would simply be the time your pregnancy care is documented within the study period.

Potential risks and benefits

Because this is an observational study, meaning researchers are just looking at existing medical records, there are no direct physical risks to you. There are no direct benefits to you as an individual, but the information gathered could help improve care for pregnant women in the future by making transfers more efficient and less stressful. You have the right to withdraw your information from the study at any time without affecting your medical care.

Locations (8)

Hopital Maillot
Verified postcode
Briey, France· Recruiting
Maternité CH Léon Bourgeois
Verified postcode
Châlons-en-Champagne, France· Recruiting
CHR Metz Thionville Hopital Femme Mère Enfant
Verified postcode
Metz, France· Recruiting
Maternité - Hôpital Maurice Camuset
Verified postcode
Romilly-sur-Seine, France· Recruiting
Clinique Saint Nabor
Verified postcode
Saint-Avold, France· Recruiting
Matérnité Saint Dizier
Verified postcode
Saint-Dizier, France· Recruiting
CHR Metz-Thionville Hopital Bel Air
Verified postcode
Thionville, France· Recruiting
Hopital Saint Nicolas
Verified postcode
Verdun, France· Recruiting

Common questions

What is a 'maternal-fetal transfer'?

It's when a pregnant woman is moved from one hospital to another, usually bigger one, if her doctors think she or her baby might need more specialist care.

Will I have to do anything if I participate?

No, you won't have to do anything extra. The researchers will just carefully look at information from your medical records.

Why is this study important?

It could help hospitals understand how to better manage moving pregnant women, so resources are used wisely and mums-to-be get the right care at the right time, reducing stress.

Is my personal information kept private?

Yes, all your medical information is handled with strict privacy. Researchers will only use it for the study and won't share your personal details.

Can I still get good care if I don't participate?

Absolutely. Your decision about participating in this study will not affect the quality of your medical care in any way.

How to find out more

Arpiné EL NAR, PhD

projet-recherche-clinique@chr-metz-thionville.fr 0033387557766 Official trial record

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