PhD Project: Development of a care pathway following a Primary Postpartum Haemorrhage

About

• A Postpartum Haemorrhage (PPH) can occur unpredictably following birth or in the early postnatal period, it can be devastating for the mother and health care staff (Briley et al 2021). The trends of PPH in Ireland has increased over the last twenty years in Ireland. Most women experience a PPH while in the LW and women with Major Obstetric Haemorrhages may require care in a High Dependency Unit (HDU). A PPH may also occur on the postnatal ward. All women who have experienced a PPH will ultimately receive care by midwives on a postnatal ward. This is prior to their discharge from the maternity hospital.
• Currently the care women receive following a PPH is dependant on different factors, and as there is a no standardised approach of the care required or services available, some women have reported receiving suboptimal care.
• The aim of this research is to identify a structured approach that incorporates the woman’s physical, informational and emotional needs following a Primary Postpartum Haemorrhage. The care pathway would be developed from listening to the woman’s experience and including staff midwives professional experience of optimum care for women. This may enhance the woman’s experience and also assist midwives in the clinical area with their daily care.

People

• Imelda Fitzgerald - PhD Candidate. Midwife Tutor, Centre of Midwifery Education, Cork University Maternity Hospital. University College Cork
• Professor Richard A Greene - Director, National Perinatal Epidemiology Centre, University College Cork.
• Professor Rhona O Connell - Senior Midwifery Lecturer,University College Cork.
• Dr Paul Corcoran - Senior Lecturer, National Perinatal Epidemiology Centre, University College Cork.
• Dr Joye McKernan -Project manager, National Perinatal Epidemiology Centre, University College Cork.

Related Publications

• Fitzgerald, I., O’Connell, R., Hughes, P., Lyons P., McKernan, J., Greene, R. and Corcoran, P. (2022) ‘A review of the current management of postpartum haemorrhage in the Republic of Ireland, using a case study approach’, MIDIRS Midwifery Digest, 32 (4). pp. 505-511 

Meet Imelda

Imelda is a dedicated Midwife tutor at the Centre of Midwifery Education (CME), where she focuses on developing, adapting, and facilitating education for healthcare and allied health professionals. With a rich background in providing high-quality, evidence-based care to women and their families across various clinical settings, Imelda brings invaluable experience to her role.

Imelda earned her (Hons) BSc in midwifery from UCC in 2013 and furthered her education with a postgraduate certificate in 'Applied professional and clinical development' from RCSI in 2015. In 2017, she completed her MSc in Midwifery from UCC, delving into the emotional effects and informational needs of women following severe Postpartum Haemorrhage (PPH).

Continuing her commitment to professional development, Imelda obtained a postgraduate diploma in Clinical Health Science Education (CHSE) from TCD in 2020. Holding the title of registered Midwife Tutor (RMT), she has contributed to teaching sessions as an assistant lecturer at both UCC and TCD.

Currently pursuing a PhD with the department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology/School of Nursing & Midwifery at UCC, Imelda's research focuses on the development of a care pathway to support women following a primary Postpartum Haemorrhage (PPH). Her dedication to advancing midwifery education and improving maternal healthcare speaks volumes about her passion for the field. 

For more information about the project, please contact imelda.fitzgerald1@hse.ie

Or follow Orla on twitter / x: @meldafitz13