Exploring women's experiences of in utero transfer
Research type
Research Study
Full title
A retrospective qualitative research study exploring women's experiences of in utero transfer from a rural Health Board since the reconfiguration of Maternity and Neonatal services
IRAS ID
221558
Contact name
Suzan Roberts
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Swansea university
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 0 months, 31 days
Research summary
Research Question: In utero transfers from a rural Health Board since the reconfiguration of Maternity and Neonatal services: What are women’s experiences and outcomes?
Background: There were 54 in utero transfers to other maternity units dating from November 2015 to August 2016 from the Hywel Dda University Health Board. Of these 54 transfers four women were transferred out long distances on two separate occasions which could be considered as inappropriate transfers (HDUHB Data, 2016). The Special Care Unit in Carmarthen accepts neonates over thirty two weeks’ gestation in singleton pregnancies and over thirty four weeks gestation in twin pregnancies. Of the transfers between November 2015 and August 2016, twenty one (38%) were over thirty two weeks gestation, only four of those were twin pregnancies under thirty four weeks gestation. Seventeen (31%) of the transfers should have been able to stay in Carmarthen to deliver (HDUHB Data, 2016). The women transferred out all went to a variety of maternity units in both England and Wales. Location of the accepting unit is unpredictable for both women and staff as the transfer is dependent on what unit has both labour ward and neonatal cot space availability for the gestation required. This may result in high risk women being transferred over a long distance to reach a unit with the facilities required. The difficulties locating neonatal cots have been attributed to limited neonatal capacity in both the Carmarthen SCBU and throughout Wales. To date in Wales there have been no studies looking at the impact that in utero transfer has on women and their families or any studies analysing or documenting the outcomes of in utero transfers.
In a retrospective study qualitative semi-structured interviews will be conducted with a sample of twelve or up to twenty women. The study aims to capture women’s experiences and perspectives of being transferred to another maternity unit. Framework analysis and triangulation will be used to analyse the information obtained.
Aim of the study: The primary aim is to explore women’s experiences and perceptions of in utero transfer in order to identify areas of care that can be improved or enhanced in clinical practice.
Methods: The research method chosen that bests suits this study is interpretative phenomenology. The proposed data method is semi structured interviews which will be audio taped to obtain accurate records of the information gathered.
Sample: The intended retrospective sample will be up twelve or up to twenty women who have all experienced in utero transfer from Carmarthen in the Hywel Dda University Health Board.
Data Analysis: The data will be analysed through Framework Analysis which will provide the study with a formal but informative method of exploring the data through themes and categories to gain insightful meanings. Triangulation will be used to incorporate data from the small number of deliveries to provide further perspective depth and meaning to the analysis.
Findings: It is hoped that the research will provide some insights of what women experience when they have to go on in utero transfer from the health board to another maternity unit. The information obtained from the women’s experiences and perspectives will help to shape future care planning.
Key words: women, in utero transfer, experiences, neonatal capacity, outcomesREC name
Wales REC 6
REC reference
17/WA/0059
Date of REC Opinion
20 Mar 2017
REC opinion
Unfavourable Opinion