The use of readiness to change questionnaires prior to the introduction of remifentanil PCAs in an Irish university maternity hospital.

introductionConsiderable time and resources are spent by hospitals to design and implement new policies, but what can hospitals do to make these policy changes a success? Readiness for change questionnaires are increasingly being utilised prior to the implementation of policies, to improve policy implementation rates, to enhance patient care, and limit hospital costs.

aimsThe aims of this study was to design and conduct a readiness for change questionnaire on midwives working on the labour ward in a busy Irish maternity hospital, prior to the introduction of a new remifentanil patient controlled analgesia (PCA) policy.

methodsA change readiness questionnaire based on a validated template was distributed to labour ward midwives over a three week period in October 2025 prior to the implementation of the new remifentanil PCA policy in Cork University Maternity Hospital (CUMH) as an analgesic option for women in labour. Responses were anonymous, and the data collected were analysed using Google Sheets.

resultsIn total, 52% (n = 33) of midwives responded to the survey. Strong support was noted regarding pillars such as awareness and understanding of the new protocol, motivation for the protocol, and support from leadership for the policy. Negative responses were noted for the resources pillar, with a fear of inadequate staffing to adapt to the new policy identified in this survey.

conclusionCertain barriers exists to the implementation of new policies. Readiness for change questionnaires can be used to identify such barriers, and promote the successful introduction of new policies.