Abstract:

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate perceptions of doctors, midwives, and patients regarding our designed delivery table shield (DTS) during second stage of vaginal deliveries of women with suspected or confirmed COVID-19. Methods: In this cross-sectional double-center study, semi-structured questionnaires were administered to doctors/midwives (n = 224) and patients with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 (n = 154) with experience on use of DTS during second stage. All statistical analyses were performed using the chi-square test to compare the categorical variables and pair-wise comparisons were performed via the chi-square test. A p-value < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results: Of the sample healthcare providers, 180 (80.4%) stated being safe with DTS; 204 (91.1%) stated not encountering any problem using the shield; 171 (76.3 %) thought the DTS does not complicate the intervention in any obstetric urgency. 131 (85%) of patients stated feeling safe and not having any problem; 141 (91.6%) stated that DTS did not affect mother-baby bonding and suggested vaginal delivery with DTS to expectant mothers. Conclusion: The study supported that using DTS during second stage of vaginal delivery of women with suspected or confirmed COVID-19, is advantageous for obstetricians and midwives without compromising optimal labor conditions.

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