Shoulder dystocia: a qualitative exploration of what works.

OBJECTIVE

to explore expert practitioners' methods of managing shoulder dystocia.

DESIGN AND SETTING

a qualitative interpretive study enabled a descriptive, hermeneutic analysis of data collected. Data were collected via tape recorded interviews, transcribed and analysed to explore themes and meanings.

PARTICIPANTS

five clinicians (four midwives and one obstetrician) who have significant experience in the management of shoulder dystocia and work in high risk maternity practice.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

the results of this study demonstrate that the actions to be taken in the event of shoulder dystocia should be further examined and possibly reviewed. The three simple steps of McRoberts Manoeuvre - Suprapubic Pressure - Axillary Traction could revolutionise the way in which shoulder dystocia is managed.