The PoCo Study
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Postnatal contraception in the North East and North Cumbria: surveying the current landscape to inform policy and research (the PoCo Study)
IRAS ID
314656
Contact name
Malcolm Moffat
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Newcastle University
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 11 months, 31 days
Research summary
Postnatal contraception (contraception provided up to eight weeks after a birth, defined by NICE as the postnatal period) is vital in preventing unplanned pregnancy and in reducing the risk of harm associated with a short interpregnancy interval and with having an abortion. However, we know that relatively few women access contraception services in the postnatal period, and that some vulnerable groups are poorly served by services and more likely to miss out on contraception counselling and support.
The aim of this research (developed and proposed in collaboration with clinical partners and with the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities (OHID)) is to undertake a comprehensive review of the current provision of postnatal contraception in the North East and North Cumbria, in community as well as maternity settings, to better understand the current offer in relation not only to national guidelines, but also taking into consideration staff and patient perspectives on what represents good care delivered by effective services.
This multi-methods study will involve focus group sessions with the healthcare professionals who work most closely with women who have recently completed a pregnancy (midwives, obstetricians, health visitors, contraception nurses and GPs) to understand staff attitudes, knowledge, expertise and preferences, as well as an exploration of patient perspectives on postnatal contraception as reported in a bespoke survey developed in collaboration with key stakeholders using quantitative and qualitative approaches.
The data collection phase will total a period of 5 months with data analysis complete by March 2023. The outputs of this research will be used to guide local and national policy and practice.
REC name
North East - Newcastle & North Tyneside 1 Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
22/NE/0212
Date of REC Opinion
30 Nov 2022
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion