Reflections of maternity service users and midwives' on the co-creation of interventions to support midwives addressing alcohol during antenatal care

Abstract

Background: There are divergent perspectives between midwives and pregnant women on how alcohol consumption during pregnancy could be addressed. Co-creation is an approach where lay people and professionals work together as equal partners, offering the opportunity to bridge the gap.

Objectives: Our aim was to evaluate how well we carried out authentic co-creation of an intervention to support midwives have a dialogue about alcohol consumption with pregnant women.

Patient involvement: Recent maternity service users including women with experience of harm due to alcohol during pregnancy provided feedback on the design, conduct and dissemination of the study.

Methods: An iterative co-creation approach rooted in participatory research methods was used. Five online workshops were carried out with thirteen midwives and six maternity service users via Zoom July-August 2021. Data were analysed using the core values of co-create as a framework: equality, inclusivity, holistic, resource, positivity, transparency, iterative, and sustainability.

Results: The co-creation process was productive and rewarding to midwives and maternity service users. There were positive experiences across the co-creation framework with some unintended positive consequences for maternity-service users.

Discussion: This evaluation provides new knowledge on how well the co-creation process worked in relation to research involving a sensitive topic that can invite stigma. Co-creation projects require generous time and financial resources to ensure a high-quality process and robust outcome for all.

Practical value: Co-creation of strategies involving both service providers and service users have potential to facilitate evidence-based practice.

Funding: This research is funded by the National Institute for Health Research (Reference: NIHR201128).

Keywords: Behaviour change; Foetal alcohol syndrome/disorder; Gestational alcohol consumption; Implementation science; Midwives.