THE LEARNING OUTCOMES:
To familiarize yourself with evidence-based information on and strategies for implementation of SDM and birth plans according to recent studies and theories. To explore formats and ways of using birth plans in international settings. To explore strategies to implement SDM and birth plans in one’s own practice. To (jointly) reflect on the facilitators and barriers of implementing SDM and birth plans in various maternity care contexts.

THE PROCESS/ACTIVITIES:
The right to make autonomous choices during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period is highly valued by women. Woman-centered care, including respectful maternity care (RMC), is recognized as a fundamental concept in midwifery [1]. Respectful care is supported by Shared Decision Making (SDM) and the use of birth plans [2]. Transferring these concepts to daily practice can be challenging. In this workshop, we present up-to-date insights and facilitate the exchange of experiences from various perspectives, which will contribute to implementing these concepts in everyday practice. Strategies to implement SDM will be shared and illustrated with real-life examples of the presenting team. The use and effectiveness of birth plans will be discussed [2].

AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION:
This workshop will include interactive discussions and activities such as responding to statements and (acting out) scenarios, in which facilitators, barriers, and experiences with respectful care, SDM, and birth plans in different (cultural) contexts will be discussed. These activities will create an engaging learning environment in which participants can reflect on their experiences and gather insights into implementing RMC, SDM, and birth plans in their own context. Additional reading World Health Organization. WHO Recommendations on Intrapartum Care for a Positive Childbirth Experience. World Health Organization; 2018. Shareef N, Said P, Lamers S, Nieuwenhuijze M, de Vries M, van Dillen J. The contribution of birth plans to shared decision-making from the perspectives of women, their partners, and their healthcare providers. PLoS One. 2024.