Exploring views and experiences of childbirth-related perineal trauma: a qualitative study protocol for developing a wound management tool and care pathway

Journal article

Introduction
Childbirth-related perineal trauma (CRPT) is the most common complication of childbirth, affecting 80% of women after a vaginal birth. However, there is a lack of evidence regarding the care of women following CRPT. Specifically, there is a lack of understanding regarding appropriate postnatal CRPT management, wound assessment and treatment of complications. To improve maternal outcomes, this qualitative study aims to explore women’s and healthcare professionals’ (HCPs) views and experiences of current CRPT wound management and healing to understand what they would want from an assessment tool and related care pathway being developed by the Chapter programme of research.

Methods and analysis
A qualitative study guided by an interpretive descriptive approach will be undertaken to explore the views and experiences around CRPT. This will be conducted through individual interviews and focus groups with women (n∼40 participants) who have experienced CRPT within the last 12 months and individual interviews with HCPs (n∼25) who care for women who have experienced CRPT. Supported by specialist interpreters where needed, data collection will be audio recorded and transcribed. Data will initially be analysed using codebook thematic analysis for targeted analysis and then using the Framework Method to facilitate a systematic and flexible exploration of themes within and between groups.

Ethics and dissemination
This study has received ethical approval from the University of Birmingham Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematical Ethics Review Committee (ERN_23–0666). Supported by a Patient Advisory Group, this study will contribute to the overall outputs and dissemination of the Chapter programme of research, including a core outcome set for trials investigating the care of women experiencing CRPT, the development of a Wound Assessment Tool, professional resources and guidelines for best practice and patient resources. Findings will be disseminated via conference presentations, peer-reviewed publications, the National Institute for Health and Care Research Journals Library, relevant media platforms and plain language summaries, including infographics.

ISRCTN registration number 45172.

Authors: Jones, L; Delicate, A; Waigwa, S; Morton, VH; Morris, RK

• Publication status: Published
• Peer review status: Peer reviewed
• Publisher: BMJ Publishing Group
• Journal: BMJ Open
• Volume: 15
• Issue: 4
• Article number: e088248
• Publication date: 2025-04-25
• Acceptance date: 2025-04-11
• DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2024-088248
• EISSN: 2044-6055
• Language: English