Table 6.

Factors included in the vignettes

Factor	Aspects
Clinical
Mother	Physical condition of the mother-coping, hydration, vital signs, demeanour
Descent	Descent and position of the fetal head
Cervix	Condition of the cervix – dilatation, effacement application
Contractions	Characteristics of the contractions-strength, frequency, regularity
Fetus	Condition of the fetus- liquor and etal heart
Non - clinical
Agreement	Level of agreement between mother and midwife about place of birth –preference, attitude to transfer, expectations
Partner	Attitude of birth partner– emotional, support of partner, knowledge and expectations
Consultant Led Unit (CLU)	Attitude of receiving staff to midwife making the phone call and to birth unit staff
Midwife Led Unit (MLU & CMLU)	Characteristics of the birth unit – workload, support, time of day, tiredness
Transfer	Transfer issues- availability of care, availability and type of transport , weather