Publications by authors named "Cassandra Yuill"
Background: Around one in three pregnant women undergoes induction of labour in the United Kingdom, usually preceded by in-hospital cervical ripening to soften and open the cervix.
Objectives: This study set out to determine whether cervical ripening at home is within an acceptable safety margin of cervical ripening in hospital, is effective, acceptable and cost-effective from both National Health Service and service user perspectives.
Design: The CHOICE study comprised a prospective multicentre observational cohort study using routinely collected data (CHOICE cohort), a process evaluation comprising a survey and nested case studies (qCHOICE) and a cost-effectiveness analysis.
Background: Anxiety in pregnancy and postpartum is highly prevalent but under-recognised. To identify perinatal anxiety, assessment tools must be acceptable, relevant, and easy to use for women in the perinatal period.
Methods: To determine the acceptability and ease of use of anxiety measures to pregnant or postpartum women (n = 41) we examined five versions of four measures: the Generalised Anxiety Disorder scale (GAD) 2-item and 7-item versions; Whooley questions; Clinical Outcomes in Routine Evaluation (CORE-10); and Stirling Antenatal Anxiety Scale (SAAS).
Background: Anxiety in pregnancy and postnatally is highly prevalent but under-recognized. To identify perinatal anxiety, assessment tools must be acceptable to women who are pregnant or postnatal.
Methods: A qualitative study of women's experiences of anxiety and mental health assessment during pregnancy and after birth and views on the acceptability of perinatal anxiety assessment.
Article Synopsis
- Induction of labour is when doctors help start a pregnancy, usually because continuing the pregnancy might be risky for the baby.
- In the UK, doctors suggest a process called cervical ripening as the first step, and some places are letting women do this at home, even though there's not much proof that it works well.
- A study talked to midwives and doctors to understand how induction care works, and they found that managing this process can be really complicated and has a big impact on their workloads.
Article Synopsis
- - The study examined women's experiences and perspectives on the induction of labor (IOL) process, focusing on cervical ripening (CR) at home versus in a hospital setting.
- - Findings indicated that women often lack sufficient information to make informed choices about IOL, leading to anxiety and a feeling of reduced options for their birth experience.
- - Positive interactions with maternity staff significantly impacted women's overall experience, while issues like staffing shortages and delays in care raised concerns about safety and the quality of care received.
Objective: Evidence indicates that midwifery units are associated with improved health outcomes and experiences; however, there are barriers to their development and scale-up. Guidelines are crucial to their implementation, ensuring that they are developed and integrated sustainably and safely. This study aimed to evaluate and explore the use of a self-assessment tool and improvement process for midwifery units in Europe.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFA Box to Put the Baby in: UK Parent Perceptions of Two Baby Box Programmes Promoted for Infant Sleep.
Int J Environ Res Public Health
October 2021
Between 2016 and 2019, two different infant sleeping-box interventions were implemented in England: (1) shallow polypropylene baby boxes were distributed via a feasibility study to families with Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) risk factors; and (2) a commercial-health system partnership scheme distributed cardboard baby boxes to new mothers in particular locations. We conducted parent evaluations of both interventions at the time of implementation. The views of 79 parents receiving polypropylene boxes and 77 parents receiving cardboard boxes were captured using online questionnaires and telephone interviews.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFIntroduction: The aim of the cervical ripening at home or in-hospital-prospective cohort study and process evaluation (CHOICE) study is to compare home versus in-hospital cervical ripening to determine whether home cervical ripening is safe (for the primary outcome of neonatal unit (NNU) admission), acceptable to women and cost-effective from the perspective of both women and the National Health Service (NHS).
Methods And Analysis: We will perform a prospective multicentre observational cohort study with an internal pilot phase. We will obtain data from electronic health records from at least 14 maternity units offering only in-hospital cervical ripening and 12 offering dinoprostone home cervical ripening.
Background: Despite strong evidence supporting the expansion of midwife-led unit provision, as a result of optimal maternal and perinatal outcomes, cost-effectiveness, and positive service user and staff experiences, scaling-up has been slow. Systemic barriers associated with gender, professional, economic, cultural, and social factors continue to constrain the expansion of midwifery as a public health intervention globally. This article aimed to explore relationships and trust as key components of a well-functioning freestanding midwifery unit (FMU).
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBackground: The purpose of this systematic review (PROSPERO Ref: CRD42017053264) was to describe and interpret the qualitative research on parent's decision-making and informed choice about their pregnancy and birth care. Given the growing evidence on the benefits of different models of maternity care and the prominence of informed choice in health policy, the review aimed to shed light on the research to date and what the findings indicate.
Methods: a systematic search and screening of qualitative research concerning parents' decision-making and informed choice experiences about pregnancy and birth care was conducted using PRISMA guidelines.