How psychological science can inform the quality of health communication in midwifery practice

Abstract

Background: Midwives play a key role in the provision of Down syndrome information to help women make informed decisions to accept or reject antenatal screening. Despite this, deficits have been found in women’s understanding. We have developed a framework, entitled Measuring Understanding of Screening Information and Communication (MUSIC), which investigates the cognitive ability (abstract vs. concrete, Need for Cognition) of women, and midwives’ verbal communication of antenatal screening, to assess how these influence women’s understanding of screening information. Methods: A mixed methods design encompassed two components; audio-recorded consultations and quantitative survey of the clients. Data were collected May 2015-April 2016. First antenatal appointments were audio-recorded and transcribed. Questionnaires were distributed to women following their appointment. Data were analysed against MUSIC using multiple regression and Pearson’s correlation. Findings: To date, 14 midwives and 73 women have been recruited. Preliminary analysis reveals a positive correlation between women’s cognitive ability, Need for Cognition and their understanding of Down syndrome screening information (p<0.01). Further analysis will reveal components of midwife communication which influence women’s understanding of Down syndrome screening. Discussion: Cognitive ability is related to women’s understanding of Down syndrome screening. The findings could be used to inform midwifery practice by providing insight into: whether, to what extent and how women’s cognitive ability influences their understanding of Down syndrome screening information; the importance of delivering information tailored to cognitive ability, and by highlighting areas of communication that are most effective in communicating screening information. Implications for other areas of health communication will be explored.