Citation: BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology. 2013, 120, 68
Author: Higgs C.; Edwards S.; Mwenechanya S.
Abstract: Background After finishing my second year at medical school I spent time with the research midwife at Arrowe Park Hospital while she set up the EMPOWAR study (Efficacy of Metformin in Pregnant Obese Women, A Randomised control Trial). Obesity is a significant problem both in pregnancy and the general population. One issue that needed addressing when recruiting for the study was that obesity can be a difficult and sensitive subject to approach for some women. Focus group approach Before the study was started, approaching women in the clinic waiting areas and asking the following questions aided on finding acceptable ways of discussing the study to women for recruitment: * How they would like obesity to be addressed * Would having multiple glucose tolerance tests (GTT) be an issue? (offering food after the test was requested) * Would they feel embarrassed by staff using callipers for skinfold thickness? Patients come
from diverse backgroun/ds with some not having a home phone or even a home. Mobile phones were therefore preferred mode of communication by most with the teenagers preferring text messaging. Women's perceptions of the study (in the antenatal clinic waiting areas) Will the drug be harmful to my baby like thalidomide? It was very important to make the women aware that metformin use is already well established and safely used in pregnancy. Information leaflets and posters clarified this further. Am I a guinea pig? Making the women feel important was very crucial especially that the study could not go ahead without them and that medicine cannot advance without research. The women were informed that participation was voluntary and that by participating in the study they are potentially benefiting many women in a similar situation in future. Team work between staff It was important to get strong team spirit from the start with everyone involved aware of their roles. A delegation log was thus established from the beginning. E-mail addresses and phone numbers were collected from all involved so they can be kept up-to-date as well as regular reminders at departmental meetings. The research midwife had a lot of administration work in organising this and I found that this was the most time consuming element of the whole set up process. Conclusion This was a very rewarding learning experience for me as I plan to do my intercalating studies. The importance of communication as the key driver to a successful study was obvious.
