Table 2.
Validated measurements used in client questionnaires
| Measurement | Goal | Content | Client questionnaire* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bologna score [8] | To determine whether the intrapartum care in case of a normal birth was according to the best evidence. | 5 items: - presence of partner or friend during labour - use of a partogram (measure progression objectively) - absence of interventions - labour not in supine position - skin-to-skin contact between mother and child for at least 30 minutes during first hour postpartum |
Q3 |
| Dutch consumer quality index (CQI) treatment score [9] | To measure the actual experience of clients with structure and process aspects of health care, as well as the importance clients attach to each aspect. | 6 items: - Does your midwife treat you with respect? - Do you feel that your midwife listens to you? - Does your midwife devote enough time to you? - Do you feel that your midwife takes you seriously? - Does your midwife explain things to you in a way that is easy for you to understand? - Do you feel you are in good hands with your midwife? (options: never/sometimes/usually/always) |
Q2 + Q3 |
| Labour Agentry Scale [10] | To measure personal control during childbirth (separately during first and second stage of labour). | 10 items (shortened version): - I was tense - I felt important - I felt confident - I felt I was in control of myself - I was scared - I was relaxed - I felt I was doing a good job - I felt helpless - I felt powerless - I felt I was surrounded by people who cared for me - I felt a failure (options: The whole time or nearly the whole time/About three quarters of the time/Just over half the time/About half the time/Just under half the time/About a quarter of the time/Not or hardly at all) |
Q3 |
| EuroQol questionnaire [11] | To measure health-related quality of life, categorized by mobility, self-care, main activity, social relationships, pain and mood. | 6 dimensions: - Mobility - Self-care - Main activity (eg work, study, housework) - Social relationships (pursue family and leisure activities) - Pain - Mood (anxious or depressed) |
Q1 + Q2 + Q3 |
| Visual Analogue Scale [12] | To measure pain | 10 cm visual analogue scale, from 'no pain' to 'worst pain imaginable' | Q2 + Q3 |
* Q1: 1st questionnaire, before 35 weeks gestation; Q2: 2nd questionnaire, after 35 weeks gestation; Q3: 3rd questionnaire, postpartum