Module 04:
Promoting Respectful Maternity and Newborn Care
Welcome to the fourth module in the ERMC course. This module has been developed to further your knowledge of the consequences of disrespectful care for women during labor and birth and ways to promote ERMC. A list of resource requirements to promote ERMC is also provided, as well as an example of a case scenario of providing ERMC. Finally, this module will end with a post-course completion survey that includes reflection on equity and respect in maternity care.
Module 04:
Promoting Respectful Maternity and Newborn Care
Welcome to the fourth module in the ERMC course. This module has been developed to further your knowledge of the consequences of disrespectful care for women during labor and birth and ways to promote ERMC. A list of resource requirements to promote ERMC is also provided, as well as an example of a case scenario of providing ERMC. Finally, this module will end with a post-course completion survey that includes reflection on equity and respect in maternity care.
Shared Decision-Making and Informed Consent
Key Recommendations
SDM1:
Discuss all available options with patients and support persons, including the ability to defer a decision when feasible and safe.
SDM2:
Provide high-quality, evidence-based information and care.
SDM3:
Confirm that full informed consent is obtained, or appropriate updating of informed consent is completed for all interventions during all phases of care, including routine or repeated care.
- Ensure that consent or refusal of consent is documented.
SDM4:
Whenever possible, use structured care plans to support patients in leading the decision-making process.
- Care plans can be based on birth plans created by patients.
SDM5:
Use decision aids to help patients understand each decision to be made and the options that are available to them.
SDM6:
Provide continuous labor support by a healthcare team member throughout labor and birth.
Rationale
Support patients during and after the decision-making process.
Pregnant women want to be informed and involved in making care decisions, even in medically complex situations. Many mothers may not be provided sufficient information to fully participate in making informed decisions.
A shared decision-making process can increase patient knowledge, confidence in decisions made, involvement in care, reports of respectful care, satisfaction with care, and trust in providers.
All clinicians should implement a shared decision-making process comprising three key elements: 1. accurate, unbiased, evidence-based information about all options, including the choice to decline care presented by 2. an engaged provider skilled in communication and individualizing care for 3. a patient whose values, goals, and preferences are acknowledged and respected in the decision-making process.