Protocol for The state of knowledge of vaginal breech birth – a scoping review

Objective: The review objective is to get an overview of the state of knowledge of vaginal breech birth outcomes related to birth attendants' profession.

Introduction: The rationale for this review is to deepen the understanding of how the birth attendant's profession impacts the outcomes of vaginal breech births. Current knowledge indicates variations in outcomes based on the skills and experience of the birth attendant. However, there's a need for more comprehensive data to guide best practices and training for safer breech deliveries. This review aims to bridge this knowledge gap, contributing to improved clinical guidelines and patient care.

Inclusion criteria: We will include studies involving midwives, obstetric nurse practitioners, birth assistants, birth attendants, labor nurses, and delivery nurses, focusing on vaginal breech births (VBB). The evaluation will concentrate on outcomes such as adverse events, risk assessment, maternal satisfaction, and maternal or infant morbidity and mortality.

Methods: Following JBI methodology, an initial MEDLINE and CINAHL search informed a comprehensive strategy for various databases (Cinahl, Medline and Maternity and Infant Care), covering studies from 2000-2023. Titles and abstracts will be independently screened, with full-text assessment against inclusion criteria. Results will be presented using a PRISMA-ScR flow diagram. Two or more reviewers will independently extract data using a developed tool. The Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT) will be used to further evaluate the state of knowledge.

Results (For Reviews ONLY): Results will be presented through a narrative summary, providing insights into breach birth outcomes and informing discussions on potential task shift strategies among attendant professions.