The study aimed to explore women’s experiences of an immediate PPIUC service recently introduced in a UK maternity setting to identify areas for improvement and inform service provision.
Qualitative research was carried out in hospital and community maternity services in Lothian, UK. In-depth interviews were conducted with 35 women who had received PPIUC at vaginal or cesarean delivery. The interview data were analyzed thematically to explore the women’s experiences of PPIUC service provision.
Women’s decisions to choose PPIUC were influenced by their perception of intrauterine contraception (IUC) as a suitable and effective method and immediate postpartum insertion convenience. Most women were satisfied with their experience at PPIUC. Women delivering vaginally sometimes reported concerns about insertion delays, particularly where they perceived a lack of communication from staff about when and where insertion would occur. PPIUC information was described as being difficult to absorb in the context of ante/postnatal information overload. Those receiving PPIUC at cesarean delivery sometimes expressed concerns about what post-insertion support might be available in primary care.
Women typically reported satisfaction with their decision to have PPIUC. For maternity services considering introducing PPIUC, our findings reinforce the importance of anticipating and addressing implementation challenges to enhance women’s service experience. These include ensuring that: clear and appropriate PPIUC information and support are provided antenatally; women can access PPIUC immediately after delivery; robust clinical pathways are in place to support post-insertion IUC care, and both staff and women are familiar with the clinical courses.
Reference: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/13625187.2020.1815006
