Stillbirth risk assessment and shared decision making around timing of birth: Sub study of the Safer Baby Bundle (SBB)

This study draws on the estimated stillbirth risk by week of gestation as derived from the national data. See – Epidemiology of Stillbirth in Australia. There is an urgent need for an evidence-based Decision Aid (DA) for women facing decisions about Induction of Labour around term. This study aims to address this need.

Phase 1 of this study has been completed and involved co-designing three resources: (1) a risk assessment tool, (2) a DA and (3) an information brochure for women. The development of these resources was overseen by a Steering Committee made up of consumers and health care providers. The information brochure has been finalised rolled out as part of the national SBB implementation.

Phase 2 of this study is currently in progress and involves a piloting and evaluating the risk assessment tool and DA. This is a mixed-methods study across five maternity services in Queensland. Data analysis underway with preliminary results are expected by mid 2025.

The study has the potential to benefit all healthcare professional providing antenatal care by leading to a more informed discussion about individualised stillbirth risk factors and shared decision about the safest time for baby to be born.  This leads to better understanding of stillbirth, its prevention, and the benefits of preterm birth if stillbirth risk factors exist or the negative consequences of preterm birth if little to no risk factors exist for stillbirth or maternal morbidity and mortality.