REACH Pregnancy Circles Trial ; Version 1.0
Research type
Research Study
Full title
REACH Pregnancy Circles:An individual-level randomised controlled trial of group antenatal care
IRAS ID
228894
Contact name
Angela Harden
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
City University
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 11 months, 30 days
Research summary
This study is a randomised controlled trial (RCT) of a model of group antenatal care called Pregnancy Circles offered to women living in deprived and ethnically mixed parts of London, Essex and Bedfordshire. The trial aims to test the effectiveness of the group-based care. This RCT follows a pilot trial which tested feasibility of, and best methods for, the trial. Feasibility was demonstrated and lessons learnt have been incorporated in the trial protocol.
A Pregnancy Circle involves about 12 pregnant women, who live close to each other and are due to having their babies around the same time, having their antenatal care together in a community setting. The groups are facilitated by 2 midwives who combine clinical care with antenatal education and peer support. Care is organized in this way for the groups of women throughout their pregnancy and replaces standard antenatal care. There is good evidence from other settings that group antenatal care has a positive impact on women’s experiences of antenatal services and may lead to better health outcomes.
At least 1450 women will be recruited to the trial when they attend their local service for their first antenatal appointment when they are about 12 weeks pregnant. The study runs until 3 months after their baby is born. As part of the consent process they will agree to being randomly allocated to receive either 1. group antenatal care or 2. standard antenatal care. Half of the women will be randomly allocated to group care and half to standard care. All participants will complete 3 questionnaires during the study and data on service use and birth outcomes will be accessed through patient records. Some participants will be invited to take part in interviews and consent will be sought to observe a few Pregnancy Circles and standard antenatal care appointments.
REC name
London - Surrey Borders Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
17/LO/1596
Date of REC Opinion
27 Apr 2018
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion