Environmental and occupational risks with use of nitrous oxide (Entonox®) for labour analgesia: a qualitative analysis of midwives’ attitudes in the United Kingdom

IF 2.6 3区医学 Q2 ANESTHESIOLOGY

International journal of obstetric anesthesia Pub Date : 2025-03-23 DOI:10.1016/j.ijoa.2025.104359

R. Craig , J. O’Carroll , S. Bampoe , P.M. Odor , D. Kamming

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

Background

Nitrous oxide carries significant environmental impact and has been linked to harm related to occupational exposure. In the United Kingdom, midwives are primarily responsible for administering nitrous oxide in the form of Entonox®. The aim of this study was to understand midwives’ perceptions related to the effects of nitrous oxide and barriers to change in the pursuit of net zero emissions.

Methods

This qualitative study was conducted at a single teaching hospital. An interview guide was developed for the conduct of this study with thematic analysis conducted using an inductive approach to determine common themes. A total of 10 participants consented and participated in semi-structured interviews.

Results

Three themes were identified; mixed awareness of environmental and occupational risk; midwifery culture as a barrier to change; and the identification of drivers for innovation and change.

Conclusions

Efforts to mitigate the environmental and occupational effects of nitrous oxide may require focused early educational policies and engagement with midwives to co-design demand- and supply-side mitigations to reduce harmful emissions from Entonox® delivery.

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来源期刊

International journal of obstetric anesthesia 医学-妇产科学

CiteScore

4.70

自引率

7.10%

发文量

285

审稿时长

58 days

期刊介绍： The International Journal of Obstetric Anesthesia is the only journal publishing original articles devoted exclusively to obstetric anesthesia and bringing together all three of its principal components; anesthesia care for operative delivery and the perioperative period, pain relief in labour and care of the critically ill obstetric patient. • Original research (both clinical and laboratory), short reports and case reports will be considered. • The journal also publishes invited review articles and debates on topical and controversial subjects in the area of obstetric anesthesia. • Articles on related topics such as perinatal physiology and pharmacology and all subjects of importance to obstetric anaesthetists/anesthesiologists are also welcome. The journal is peer-reviewed by international experts. Scholarship is stressed to include the focus on discovery, application of knowledge across fields, and informing the medical community. Through the peer-review process, we hope to attest to the quality of scholarships and guide the Journal to extend and transform knowledge in this important and expanding area.