Table 2 The three vignettes used in the in-depth interviews with women and midwives

Vignette 1—Libby

Libby was admitted to the antenatal ward for an induction of labour at 38 weeks with her first baby. She spent 2 days on the antenatal ward being induced before going to the delivery suite to have her ‘waters broken’ at 3 cm dilated. Whilst in the delivery room, Libby was asked by her midwife if a research midwife could come in and talk to her about a research study called Assist II. Libby agreed, and whilst on the birthing ball having contractions every 4 min, the research midwife gave Libby a leaflet, chatted to her about the study and left her with a video explaining the study in detail. This was the first time that Libby had heard about the Assist II study. Twenty minutes later, the research midwife returned to the room and asked Libby if she would like to take part

Vignette 2—Cathy

Cathy accompanied by her husband Mike was admitted to the antenatal ward for an induction of labour with her second baby. After being on the ward for an hour she had not yet seen a clinical midwife, but a research midwife came to her bedside and asked her if this was a good time for Cathy to hear about the Assist II study. Cathy was anxious about her induction, but the research midwife was understanding and answered all the clinical questions she had, so she felt able to listen. Cathy was given a leaflet and watched the study video with Mike. The research midwife answered all their questions and Cathy having sought support from Mike agreed that she would participate. She also agreed to her recruitment consultation being audio-recorded and to taking part in an interview with a senior research midwife at home 2 weeks after the birth of her baby

Vignette 3—Agnes

Agnes was pregnant with her first baby and whilst attending her antenatal clinic at 34 weeks noticed a new poster advertising a research study called the Assist II study. Whilst waiting for her appointment Agnes downloaded the QR code from the poster onto her phone and read a little about the study before she was called to see the midwife. Agnes asked her midwife about the study. She gave Agnes a paper information leaflet and directed her to ring the study office in Southmead where there was someone who would answer any questions. Agnes did not call the office. Six weeks later Agnes was admitted to Southmead in labour at 5 cm. Agnes chatted to the research midwife, watched the study video and gave her consent to participate