How clinicians from Croydon University Hospital perceive the correct execution of Finnish manual perineal protection?
Abstract
About 85% of women in the UK sustained some level of perineal trauma during vaginal birth. The most severe level of the injuries can cause pain, faecal incontinence and may reduce quality of life in a healthy woman.
One method of reducing the risk of the injury is by manual perineal protection. As a practicing midwife I have adopted the Finish manual perineal protection and together with my team I tried to implement and standardized this technique into the multicultural midwifery and obstetrical team at Croydon University Hospital in London.
I would like to share the results from my observation regarding the knowledge, correct use of the perineal protection by clinicians according the standard teaching, acceptance and effectiveness of the technique and also the clinician's individual perception of the correct performance, confidence and effectiveness of the technique.