Women's Perceptions on the Use of Video Technology in Early Labor: Being Able to See

This study examined women's perspectives on the potential use of this technology.MethodsFocus groups and individual interviews were conducted with 23 English ‐speaking women who experienced spontaneous labor within the last year. The recordings were transcribed verbatim. Content analysis was used to interpret women's perceptions.ResultsThe women identified potential advantages of video technology in early labor connected to the major theme of being able to see, which could enable closer human connections between the intrapartum care provider, the woman, and her partner, as well as better assessments of labor. This human connection was integral to enhancing empathy and building confidence. Concerns about using video calls during early labor at home focused on privacy issues and the need to practice beforehand. Concerns about privacy depended upon having a prior relationship with the intrapartum care provider and women being able to decide if they wanted to use the technology.DiscussionOne way of optimizing the experience of staying home in early labor and overall satisfaction with the birth experience may be with video technology, which could offer enhancements over traditional telephone triage.

Source: Journal of Midwifery and Women's Health - April 10, 2020 Category: Midwifery Authors: Mary Ann Faucher, Holly Powell Kennedy Tags: Original Research Source Type: research