Table 7 Experiences of care and acceptability of research (Women Phase 2): Sample quotations

‘Good idea, variable practice’

Feeling supported and cared for

‘…but when I first started going, erm, again, I started…it was, like, before I went into the study and before I…before I got under a specific consultant, I was seeing quite a few different people

And that was then when I went into the study. So I could speak to [care coordinator] then, after that. And she…she then got me back in to see Dr[consultant]and, from that point on then, I was seeing Dr [consultant] more. So I had, like, a lead consultant…

And, you know, and…and then I had [care coordinator] as someone who, you know, she…she was great, as in, you know, she give me her number to, you know, text me whenever you…’ Sally^a

Building supportive relationships

‘I am aware that [care coordinator] has really taken note of my pregnancy to the point where, you know, she’s seen my baby and she’s got a picture of that. I never have done that in any of my pregnancies. So, that, that is quite nice to know. And actually, I suppose it’s an understanding that it can sometimes mean as much to your midwife as it does to you, and I think you miss that sometimes, but…’ Louise^a

‘Erm, but the thing I liked about [care coordinator] was…is that unlike the other professionals she spoke to both of us. And she always asked after [partner] and was concerned about him and erm…yeah, and just talked to him as well. And that was, that was something that [partner] and I hadn't really seen before. Erm…’ Fiona^a

System needs ‘tweaking’

‘but within the community, I don't think I've seen the same midwife twice. And then, my hospital appointments, I know that I had a named, sort of, midwife. Erm, and again, I think that is good, but again, you’ve got holidays. And like, one time, I went in, and I knew, I'd had a message off [care coordinator], she'd texted me…to introduce herself, and say, this is the number if you need anything. Erm, and I'd asked, I said, oh is she here, and they said, oh she's just finished.’ Madison^a

‘…and I spoke to her a load of times on the phone and it was weird because every time I had an appointment, she either was at [name of unit] when I was here or was on annual leave but I did speak to her a lot and she rang me up quite a lot and we chatted.’ Patricia^a

Research participation: ‘a worthwhile experience’

Making a difference

‘Yeah. Yeah, I think it helps me personally and then I feel like I’m going to make a difference to somebody else as well because [baby murmurs] the more you find out through this study the…maybe you can do something to help other women maybe deal with it a bit better than what I would have done if you know what I mean.’ Saheena^a

‘Yeah. Then in that case I feel like it’s… Yeah. For me, personally, it’s been useful. No, I think I just want to say that y-, I know that it can be difficult to get social research approved in the NHS, but I think… Particularly where it’s a sensitive kind of subject, all the ethics of it and all this, that and the other. But I just… I think it’s great that you’re…that the hospital or the trust or whoever have kind of taking the time to do this…’ Louise^a

My voice was heard

‘Yeah, because you’d never speak to someone, you know, you’d never know, you know, we’ve spoke quite a bit, haven’t we Erm, so, yeah, I…I’m…I’ve found it a benefit, I think it’s good. And being able to give my feedback about how good it’s been really.’ Sally^a