Strategies to reduce cesarean deliveries: surveying Polish midwives and midwifery students on external cephalic version practices
Abstract Objectives This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge and experiences of Polish midwives regarding the external cephalic version (ECV), as well as to examine their practices related to this procedure and the perceived barriers to its implementation. Materials and methods A cross-sectional,...
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BMC
2025-05-01
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| Series: | BMC Nursing |
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| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1186/s12912-025-03220-8 |
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| author | Maisa Manasar-Dyrbuś Anna Janik Cecylia Jendyk Agnieszka Drosdzol-Cop Anna Brzęk Rafał Stojko Jakub Staniczek |
| author_facet | Maisa Manasar-Dyrbuś Anna Janik Cecylia Jendyk Agnieszka Drosdzol-Cop Anna Brzęk Rafał Stojko Jakub Staniczek |
| author_sort | Maisa Manasar-Dyrbuś |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Abstract Objectives This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge and experiences of Polish midwives regarding the external cephalic version (ECV), as well as to examine their practices related to this procedure and the perceived barriers to its implementation. Materials and methods A cross-sectional, online survey was conducted using a 22-item questionnaire developed by the authors. The survey targeted midwives and midwifery students, collecting demographic data, professional experiences, and detailed responses about knowledge, practices, and perceptions related to ECV. Results Among 535 respondents, nearly one-third were midwifery students, and the rest were professional midwives (mainly with a master’s degree). ECV was performed in over a quarter of respondents’ workplaces, with 40% reporting personal experience with the procedure. Support for ECV in primiparas was highest among students and midwives with a master’s degree, and lowest among those with a bachelor’s. A similar pattern was observed in multiparas, with elective cesarean section more often chosen by bachelor ’s-level midwives and least by students (p < 0.001). Less experienced midwives more frequently expressed concerns about complications and emergency cesarean delivery. Cesarean section was preferred in outpatient and prenatal class settings, while ECV was favored in clinical and district hospitals. Regardless of experience, the majority recognized the need for ECV training, with the strongest support among students (90.4%, p = 0.031). Conclusions The study highlights moderate awareness and limited experience with ECV among Polish midwives. The findings emphasize the necessity of structured educational programs to improve competency and confidence in ECV, particularly in outpatient and prenatal classes. Clinical trial number Not applicable. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-420f4b37a0f0460494b9a7ecb184c8da |
| institution | Kabale University |
| issn | 1472-6955 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-05-01 |
| publisher | BMC |
| record_format | Article |
| series | BMC Nursing |
| spelling | doaj-art-420f4b37a0f0460494b9a7ecb184c8da2025-08-20T03:48:18ZengBMCBMC Nursing1472-69552025-05-0124111110.1186/s12912-025-03220-8Strategies to reduce cesarean deliveries: surveying Polish midwives and midwifery students on external cephalic version practicesMaisa Manasar-Dyrbuś0Anna Janik1Cecylia Jendyk2Agnieszka Drosdzol-Cop3Anna Brzęk4Rafał Stojko5Jakub Staniczek6Chair and Clinical Department of Gynecology, Obstetrics and Oncological Gynecology, Faculty of Health Sciences in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia in KatowiceDistrict Chamber of Nurses and Midwives in KatowiceChair and Clinical Department of Gynecology, Obstetrics and Oncological Gynecology, Faculty of Health Sciences in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia in KatowiceChair and Clinical Department of Gynecology, Obstetrics and Oncological Gynecology, Faculty of Health Sciences in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia in KatowiceDepartment of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Health Sciences in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia in KatowiceChair and Clinical Department of Gynecology, Obstetrics and Oncological Gynecology, Faculty of Health Sciences in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia in KatowiceChair and Clinical Department of Gynecology, Obstetrics and Oncological Gynecology, Faculty of Health Sciences in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia in KatowiceAbstract Objectives This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge and experiences of Polish midwives regarding the external cephalic version (ECV), as well as to examine their practices related to this procedure and the perceived barriers to its implementation. Materials and methods A cross-sectional, online survey was conducted using a 22-item questionnaire developed by the authors. The survey targeted midwives and midwifery students, collecting demographic data, professional experiences, and detailed responses about knowledge, practices, and perceptions related to ECV. Results Among 535 respondents, nearly one-third were midwifery students, and the rest were professional midwives (mainly with a master’s degree). ECV was performed in over a quarter of respondents’ workplaces, with 40% reporting personal experience with the procedure. Support for ECV in primiparas was highest among students and midwives with a master’s degree, and lowest among those with a bachelor’s. A similar pattern was observed in multiparas, with elective cesarean section more often chosen by bachelor ’s-level midwives and least by students (p < 0.001). Less experienced midwives more frequently expressed concerns about complications and emergency cesarean delivery. Cesarean section was preferred in outpatient and prenatal class settings, while ECV was favored in clinical and district hospitals. Regardless of experience, the majority recognized the need for ECV training, with the strongest support among students (90.4%, p = 0.031). Conclusions The study highlights moderate awareness and limited experience with ECV among Polish midwives. The findings emphasize the necessity of structured educational programs to improve competency and confidence in ECV, particularly in outpatient and prenatal classes. Clinical trial number Not applicable.https://doi.org/10.1186/s12912-025-03220-8External cephalic versionBreech presentationDeliveryMidwives |
| spellingShingle | Maisa Manasar-Dyrbuś Anna Janik Cecylia Jendyk Agnieszka Drosdzol-Cop Anna Brzęk Rafał Stojko Jakub Staniczek Strategies to reduce cesarean deliveries: surveying Polish midwives and midwifery students on external cephalic version practices BMC Nursing External cephalic version Breech presentation Delivery Midwives |
| title | Strategies to reduce cesarean deliveries: surveying Polish midwives and midwifery students on external cephalic version practices |
| title_full | Strategies to reduce cesarean deliveries: surveying Polish midwives and midwifery students on external cephalic version practices |
| title_fullStr | Strategies to reduce cesarean deliveries: surveying Polish midwives and midwifery students on external cephalic version practices |
| title_full_unstemmed | Strategies to reduce cesarean deliveries: surveying Polish midwives and midwifery students on external cephalic version practices |
| title_short | Strategies to reduce cesarean deliveries: surveying Polish midwives and midwifery students on external cephalic version practices |
| title_sort | strategies to reduce cesarean deliveries surveying polish midwives and midwifery students on external cephalic version practices |
| topic | External cephalic version Breech presentation Delivery Midwives |
| url | https://doi.org/10.1186/s12912-025-03220-8 |
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