The Experience of Giving Birth With Remifentanil for Pain Relief: A Qualitative Study of Mothers and Midwives

Nordsjaellands Hospital

Status: Enrolling

Conditions: Qualitative Research; Birth; Pain Management in Pregnant Women; Remifentanil; Labour Analgesia; Midwife

Study type: Observational

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT07030777

103

Details and patient eligibility

About

Background:

Remifentanil is an ultra-short-acting opioid used for labor pain relief in several countries, offering stronger analgesia than nitrous oxide but less than epidural anesthesia. While internationally established, remifentanil has not yet been implemented in Denmark.

Objective:

This study aims to explore and deepen our understanding of the childbirth experience with remifentanil for pain relief, from both the birthing woman's and the midwife's perspectives.

Methods:

A qualitative study based on interviews with women who gave birth using remifentanil and the midwives involved in their care.

Full description

Background:Remifentanil is an ultra-short-acting opioid used for labor pain relief in several countries, offering stronger analgesia than nitrous oxide but less than epidural anesthesia. While internationally established, remifentanil has not yet been implemented in Denmark. Objective:This study aims to explore and deepen our understanding of the childbirth experience with remifentanil for pain relief, from both the birthing woman's and the midwife's perspectives. Methods: A qualitative study based on semi-structured interviews with women who gave birth using remifentanil and the midwives involved in their care. The analysis will be a thematic content analysis. All Danish or English speaking labouring women and midwifes at North Zealand hospital giving birth/attending birth with remifentanil for labour pain are eligible to be included during the study period. After written consent the interview will be conducted 4-10 days after the birth.

Enrollment: 40 estimated patients

Sex: Female

Ages: 18+ years old

Volunteers: No Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion and exclusion criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Women in labor aged 18 years or older who receive remifentanil for pain relief during childbirth at the labor ward in Hillerød.
2. Midwives who participate in childbirths where remifentanil is used as pain relief.

Exclusion Criteria

1)Women in labor who do not speak Danish or English.

Trial design

40 participants in 2 patient groups

Midwifes

Description:

Group 1: Midwives This group includes licensed midwives who have administered remifentanil for pain relief during labor. Participants will be interviewed about their experiences with providing care during remifentanil-supported childbirth, including perceptions of efficacy, safety, and clinical workflow.

Laboring Women

Description:

Group 2: Laboring Women This group consists of women who gave birth using remifentanil patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) for pain relief during labor. Participants will be interviewed about their lived experience of pain management, decision-making, and overall birth experience using remifentanil.