Informed consent and caesarean birth: RCOG launches new obstetrics animation
The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) has unveiled an informative new animation designed to support pregnant women and birthing people in understanding what to expect from a planned (elective) caesarean birth.
Launched on 27 November 2024, this new resource aims to strengthen the informed consent process by presenting the risks and benefits of a planned caesarean birth in a clear and accessible way.
Supporting informed consent
The animation is to be used in tandem with the RCOG’s existing Consent Advice on Planned Caesarean Birth as part of the consent process and provides information about the risks, benefits and alternative modes of childbirth to those considering a planned caesarean birth. Dr Geeta Kumar, Vice President of the RCOG, has said:
“Once a pregnant woman or birthing person has decided to have a planned caesarean birth, the consenting process involving an informed discussion with their healthcare professional is a really important step. We produced this resource to support such consent conversations, setting out in simple terms and imagery the key issues that should be covered.”
For maternity services, this animation can serve as a practical tool to improve communication with expectant mothers who have decided on a caesarean birth and help empower them to make informed decisions, leading to better patient experiences and outcomes. It can be used during antenatal consultations to supplement (not replace) verbal discussions, or clinicians can signpost women and birthing people to watch the animation in their own time.
By providing visual and spoken explanations, the animation also supports those who may find written information challenging, helping them to access and understand key details about their care.
From a legal perspective, the use of such resources can strengthen the informed consent process, reducing the risk of miscommunication or misunderstandings that could lead to complaints or litigation.
To view the animation and learn more, visit the RCOG website and make sure to accept cookies to view the video!
Our specialist maternity team
At Browne Jacobson, we are committed to supporting NHS Trusts and health care organisations with delivering on their strategy to improve maternity outcomes. Please do get in touch to discuss how our specialist maternity team may be able to help.
Related expertise
You may be interested in...
Legal Update - Maternity services
Informed consent and caesarean birth: RCOG launches new obstetrics animation
Legal Update - Maternity services
MNSI annual report 2023/24: Key insights and future ambitions for maternity safety
Opinion - Maternity services
Enhancing care for women with ectopic pregnancies: Insights from MBRRACE-UK
Legal Update - Maternity services
DISCERN study published: How to improve discussions with families when things go wrong in maternity care
Opinion - Maternity services
Revolutionising patient care: Innovative kit for instant translation in 240 languages
Opinion - Maternity services
New Government plans for NHS maternity services: What can we expect?
Opinion - Maternity services
New online system streamlines maternity services at The University Hospitals of Derby and Burton NHS Foundation Trust
Opinion - Maternity services
The power of parental touch for babies undergoing painful procedures
Opinion - Maternity services
Newborns born outside of hospitals at higher risk of hypothermia during emergency responses
Opinion - Maternity services
Health Service Journal reports on growing trend of “free birthing”
Legal Update - Maternity services
Introduction of baby loss certificates gives recognition to millions of bereaved families in the UK
Legal Update - Maternity services
Chesterfield Royal Hospital ranked amongst the top Trusts nationally in the 2023 Maternity Survey
Opinion - Maternity services
Coronial investigations of stillbirths - summary of consultation responses
Opinion - Maternity services
BBC investigation finds NHS interpreting service problems contributed to baby deaths and serious brain injuries
Legal Update - Maternity services
The NHS Long Term Workforce Plan 2023
Legal Update - Maternity services
HSIB publishes 'Maternity Investigation Programme: Year in Review 2022/23'
Opinion - Maternity services
Racial disparities in maternity care
Opinion - Maternity services
University Hospital Leicester hold their inaugural Maternity Safety Conference
Opinion - Maternity services
Changes to redundancy protections for employees post-maternity leave
Press Release - Maternity services
Father Christmas comes to University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire care of Browne Jacobson’s Birmingham Office Community Action Group
Opinion - Maternity services
The Patient Safety Incident Response Framework (PSIRF) and its impact on maternity services
Guide - Maternity services
Mediation guide for Clinicians: What do you need to know and how do you need to prepare
Opinion - Maternity services
Baby Loss Awareness Week
On Saturday 15 October a wave of light swept the internet when thousands of people flooded social media with pictures of candles to remember the babies that they have lost. This event signifies the end of Baby Loss Awareness Week which aims to break the silence that is associated with baby loss in pregnancy and infancy.
Opinion - Maternity services
The impact of COVID-19 on maternal deaths
HSIB published its report on Maternal deaths during the first wave of COVID-19. The report takes a closer look at the impact that COVID-19 had during the initial period of March to May 2020.
Legal Update - Maternity services
The Ockenden Final Report – a blueprint for safe maternity care from ward to Board
The much anticipated final Ockenden report was published on 30 March 2020. The final report sets out the findings of the review into care provided to 1,486 families, and sets out a blueprint for safe maternity care.
On-Demand - Maternity services
Maternity mock inquest - film 1
Consent is often a key issue in obstetric claims and if it is relevant to the facts of the death, its likely to be an area explored by a coroner.
On-Demand - Maternity services
Maternity mock inquest - film 2
This video illustrates some of the issues that can arise when a witness is poorly prepared.
On-Demand - Maternity services
Maternity mock inquest - film 3
This film highlights the importance of creating an open and transparent culture where staff feel able to speak up will help Trusts to identify problematic practise before significant issues arise.
Legal Update - Maternity services
Checklist when preparing for remote participation in an inquest hearing
Lockdown restrictions in March 2020 led to many inquest hearings being postponed. As restrictions eased, Coroners came under increasing pressure to reduce the number of delayed inquest hearings. In June 2020, the Chief Coroner issued Guidance No. 38 to facilitate remote participation in coroner’s inquests.