Decision‐making experiences and the need for decision aids in women considering vaginal birth after cesarean: A qualitative meta‐synthesis

Abstract Aims This study aims to comprehensively explore the decision‐making requirements of women contemplating vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC). Design & Methods A meta‐synthesis approach was employed for this study. Using an integrative methodology, we conducted a systematic assessment of women's experiences and needs related to VBAC decision‐making. A comprehensive search was conducted across The Cochrane Library, PubMed, EMBASE, Ovid Medline, SCOPUS, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), PsycINFO, and Wan Fang databases to identify pertinent studies between 2000 and 2022. Furthermore, the reference lists of the included studies were thoroughly examined. Results Fifteen studies were incorporated, from which seven themes emerged: emotional changes, preference for vaginal birth, unmet information needs, influences on decision‐making, decision‐making autonomy, aligning information provision with decision‐support needs, and the requirement for support systems. Two primary syntheses were constructed on the decision‐making process and the need for decision‐making aids, respectively. Conclusion Women opting for VBAC experienced emotional shifts during their decision‐making process in pregnancy. There remains a need for an enhanced decision‐making tool to guide them in their choice. Recommendations for implementation in VBAC decision aids include facilitating women's involvement in decision‐making, satisfying their information needs, and delivering appropriate emotional support.