Introduction Birth is a normal physiological process, and many women want a natural birth. Women use a range of non-pharmacological pain relief methods to reduce labour pain intensity, to help manage labour pain and to induce relaxation. The purpose of this study was to explore the experiences of women using Virtual Reality as a non-pharmacological method of pain relief in labour. Virtual Reality has been shown to be an effective distraction technique in other acute pain settings which also reduces anxiety. Method…

<title>Abstract</title> In 2008, Ghana adopted the WHO/UNAIDS guideline for 'opt-out' HIV testing in antenatal clinics (ANCs). Although initial concerns were expressed about healthcare providers’ (HCPs’) ability to adhere to the intervention’s delivery, mainstream research has predominantly emphasised effectiveness questions to report variable testing uptake. This process evaluation aims to uncover the contextual factors that moderate adherence to the intervention in 12 of Ghana’s antenatal clinics (ANCs). We empl…

<title>Abstract</title> Objectives The study aimed to assess the fidelity to the intended content of the WHO/UNAID's provider-initiated opt-out HIV testing policy in 12 antenatal clinics across three regions in Ghana. Specifically, the focus was on understanding the implementation of key components, including informed consent, confidentiality, counselling, and connection to care. Methods Carroll's conceptual framework of implementation fidelity guided the quantitative data collection in the 12 antenatal clinics ac…

( Aust N Z J Obstet Gynaecol. 2023; 63: 193–197) Labor pain is a highly variable experience, with a wide range of both pharmacological and nonpharmacologic methods available to help relieve pain during labor. Virtual reality (VR) distraction therapy is one of many nonpharmacologic modalities shown to assist patients in managing their acute pain in clinical settings. This has been tested in patients undergoing chemotherapy, physical therapy, treatment for dental work, and burn wounds, among other procedures. Those …

We found that the cardiotocograph is a multifaceted actant that influences practice by performing different roles. Drawing on this study, we suggest that actor-network theory could be a helpful theoretical perspective to critically reflect upon the increasing use of technologies within maternity care.