EXPLORING LEARNING AT A WEEKLY CAESAREAN SECTION MEETING

Ogueh O.
Affiliation at the time of Study: Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals NHS Trust, Princess Royal Hospital, Lewes Road, Haywards Heath, West Sussex RH16 4EX
Current Affiliation:
Delta State University Teaching Hospital, Oghara, Delta State, Nigeria

Conflict of Interest: None
Sources of grant/support: None
Corresponding author: Dr Onome Ogueh Email: onomeogueh@gmail.com

ABSTRACT

Aim: The aim of this study was to explore what clinicians learn from case stories told at a weekly caesarean section meeting.

Methodology: A case study methodology was used and data collected from observation of meetings, semi-structured interviews and focus group meetings that were audio-recorded and transcribed. The participants were the medical and midwifery students, resident doctors, midwives and consultants that attended the weekly caesarean section meetings. Thematic analysis of the data generated was undertaken.

Findings: Analysis showed that the attendees at the caesarean section meetings learned about when a caesarean section was appropriate, and when it was necessary to carry out other interventions such as Syntocinon augmentation and fetal blood sampling. They learned from their mistakes and those of others to improve the quality and safety of the care that they provided to women in labour.

All participants were clear that the caesarean section meeting was an important learning environment, and because of their attendance resident doctors changed their medical practice in accordance with the knowledge acquired.

Conclusion: The learning that occurred at the caesarean section meeting resulted in a change of behaviour (practice) that potentially could improve the quality and safety of care provided to women in labour.

Key words:Qualitative research, learning, case reviews, caesarean section meeting and quality of care