Obstetrician views on Fetal Pillow® device use and research in Aotearoa New Zealand: A cross‐sectional survey

Abstract

BackgroundThere is anecdotal evidence of Fetal Pillow® use, but no formal local information on clinician practices and perspectives.AimsTo assess obstetrician use of the Fetal Pillow®, knowledge of relevant research, and interest in a proposed randomised controlled trial in Aotearoa New Zealand.Materials and MethodsAnonymous cross‐sectional survey of practising obstetricians and obstetric trainees in Aotearoa New Zealand distributed by the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists.ResultsOf 136 respondents (69% specialists and 31% trainees), 130 had heard of the Fetal Pillow® device, and 108 had used it at least once (43% more than ten times). The device was available in 17/21 units represented. The 108 users of the device reported this was most commonly on collegial advice (63%) or after personal experience of a difficult delivery (33%) and most (80%) believed it reduced maternal morbidity. Only around one‐third of the 130 respondents who had heard of the device agreed there was adequate research demonstrating its efficacy for maternal (36%) and neonatal (30%) morbidity. The majority reported they would change practice in response to a randomised trial, although they were more likely to start use (81% of current non‐users) than stop (53% of users). Most (70%) respondents agreed they would encourage patients to participate in a randomised trial.ConclusionsThe Fetal Pillow® is available in most maternity units in Aotearoa New Zealand. The majority of obstetric clinicians believe it reduces maternal morbidity, while acknowledging the lack of scientific evidence. Most would support a randomised trial.