Breech Specialist Midwives in the OptiBreech Trial feasibility study: an
implementation process evaluation
Abstract
Objective: Refine the programme theory for OptiBreech Care Design:
Concurrent mixed methods implementation process evaluation Setting: 6
NHS hospitals in England participating in the OptiBreech 1 Feasibility
Study Sample: 15 women planning a vaginal breech birth at term and 6
breech lead midwives Methods: Outcomes were recorded on case report
forms and descriptively analysed. Interviews were recorded, transcribed
and analysed using the Theoretical Framework of Acceptability. Iterative
analysis informed subsequent interviews and the on-going process of
implementation across sites. Main Outcome Measures: Acceptability of
service delivery models and their outcomes. Results: Actively recruiting
Trusts implemented services through a dedicated clinic and/or a
proficient intrapartum support service, organised and provided primarily
by a Breech Specialist Midwife. While we identified challenges, this
model has achieved 93% fidelity to the intervention’s goal of ensuring
attendance of OptiBreech-trained professionals at vaginal breech births,
and it is highly acceptable to women. Our initial suggested model of a
multi-disciplinary team composed of 5 obstetricians and 5 midwives does
not appear feasible, due to very low overall current breech experience
levels and the context of current pressures on NHS services.
Conclusions: Appointment of a Breech Specialist Midwife, whose role is
to co-ordinate a dedicated clinic, training and a proficient intrapartum
care team, appears to be highly acceptable to women. This model appears
to be a feasible implementation strategy, in order to test the safety
and effectiveness of OptiBreech Care in a clinical trial, but further
work needs to be done to develop sustainability.