The Experience of Giving Birth With Remifentanil for Pain Relief: A Qualitative Study of Mothers and Midwives

Background:

Remifentanil is an ultra-short-acting opioid used for labor pain relief in several countries, offering stronger analgesia than nitrous oxide but less than epidural anesthesia. While internationally established, remifentanil has not yet been implemented in Denmark.

Objective:

This study aims to explore and deepen our understanding of the childbirth experience with remifentanil for pain relief, from both the birthing woman's and the midwife's perspectives.

Methods:

A qualitative study based on interviews with women who gave birth using remifentanil and the midwives involved in their care.

Completed

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Key information

Conditions

Pain Management in Pregnant Women Birth Labour Analgesia Midwife Qualitative Research Remifentanil

Age range

18 year and older

Sex eligibility

Female

Study type

Observational

Primary location

University Hospital of Copenhagen, North Zealand Hospital, Hillerød, Select State, Denmark

About this study

Background:Remifentanil is an ultra-short-acting opioid used for labor pain relief in several countries, offering stronger analgesia than nitrous oxide but less than epidural anesthesia. While internationally established, remifentanil has not yet been implemented in Denmark. Objective:This study aims to explore and deepen our understanding of the childbirth experience with remifentanil for pain relief, from both the birthing woman's and the midwife's perspectives. Methods: A qualitative study based on semi-structured interviews with women who gave birth using remifentanil and the midwives involved in their care. The analysis will be a thematic content analysis. All Danish or English speaking labouring women and midwifes at North Zealand hospital giving birth/attending birth with remifentanil for labour pain are eligible to be included during the study period. After written consent the interview will be conducted 4-10 days after the birth.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

Women in labor aged 18 years or older who receive remifentanil for pain relief during childbirth at the labor ward in Hillerød.
Midwives who participate in childbirths where remifentanil is used as pain relief.

Exclusion criteria

1)Women in labor who do not speak Danish or English.

Treatment and study plan

Primary outcomes

Experiential understanding of remifentanil-assisted labor from the perspectives of mothers

Time frame: Interviews conducted within 4-10 days postpartum

The co-primary outcome is the in-depth qualitative description of how women experience the use of remifentanil for labor pain relief. The outcome will be derived through thematic analysis of semi-structured interview data, aiming to identify key themes related to pain relief, side-effects, safety, communication, autonomy, and overall birth experience. No quantitative scale will be used.
Experiential understanding of remifentanil-assisted labor from the perspectives of midwives

Time frame: Time Frame: Interviews conducted within 4-10 days postpartum

Description: The co-primary outcome is the in-depth qualitative description of how midwifes experience the use of remifentanil for labor pain relief. The outcome will be derived through thematic analysis of semi-structured interview data, aiming to identify key themes related to pain relief, side-effects, safety, communication, autonomy, and overall birth experience. No quantitative scale will be used.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Nordsjaellands Hospital

Other

Registry information

Important dates

Study start: 2025
Primary completion: 2025
Study completion: 2025
First posted: Jun 22, 2025
Registry last updated: Apr 7, 2026

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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Completed