In the early summer of 2012, Ergonomic Lighting was installed in Delivery Room 11 at Aarhus University Hospital - and later in Delivery Room 31 as well. The expectation was that Ergonomic Lighting would create a better working environment for the staff and a better birthing environment for the mother. During the intervening period, 23 midwives and 8 healthcare assistants who work in the delivery rooms with Ergonomic Lighting participated in an evaluation survey about the importance of light. The results are convincing and suggest that Ergonomic Lighting seems to make a noticeable difference for both the staff and the birthing woman.
The idea of installing Ergonomic Lighting at Aarhus University Hospital originated from midwife Rikke Damkjær Maimburg, who had witnessed its effectiveness in the intensive care unit. With the collaboration of Chromaviso, Rikke successfully implemented Ergonomic Lighting in Delivery Room 11 and later in another delivery room. Rikke had several reasons for considering the use of this lighting in the delivery room. The birthing process consists of various stages, each with different needs for the woman. There are times when she requires peace and rest, and other times when she needs to be active and moving. Ergonomic Lighting allows for quick adjustments to meet these different needs. For instance, when a woman enters the delivery room in the middle of the night, it would be beneficial to offer soft and soothing lighting. There are studies that suggest the hormone melatonin, which is sensitive to light, in combination with oxytocin, can enhance the effectiveness of labor.
Tailored ergonomic lighting to suit work processes and needs
Before installing ergonomic lighting in Delivery Room 11, the work processes of the staff and the needs of the birthing woman were thoroughly assessed. The outcome of this assessment led to the programming of ergonomic lighting with six different light settings. The first setting provides bright white light for emergency situations and cleaning. The second setting is designed as task lighting for use in specific work zones, such as when examining the baby after birth. The third setting offers warm golden light to create a cozy and comforting atmosphere in the room. The fourth setting consists of calming greenish/golden light, which is used during the reception of the birthing woman and throughout the birthing process. The fifth setting is red light, intended for potential use during ultrasound procedures. Lastly, there is a soft pink breastfeeding light, which supports the initial contact between mother and baby. The agreement between Rikke Maimburg and Chromaviso was to adjust the light settings based on feedback from the staff after prolonged use. The evaluation has now been completed, and the results are promising.
Excitement over the impact of ergonomic lighting
During the evaluation of the impact of Ergonomic Lighting in Delivery Room 11 and 31 at Aarhus University Hospital, 23 midwives and 8 healthcare assistants participated. The majority of the midwives reported that Ergonomic Lighting significantly improved the working environment in the delivery room, while a few healthcare assistants also experienced some degree of improvement. Detailed analysis of the results revealed that the calming greenish/golden light was particularly popular among the midwives. Interestingly, there were very few emergency situations during the study period, which was seen as a positive outcome by the midwives. However, the hospital's cleaning staff reported that the sharp "emergency light" made it easier for them to spot blood stains during cleaning. The midwives were responsible for adjusting the Ergonomic Lighting, but fathers were also involved in its use. About half of the midwives took advantage of the option to dim the lights or choose a softer setting once the baby was born. Additionally, seventeen of the midwives used zone-specific lighting, with brighter lights at the work area and softer lighting for the birthing woman. Sixteen midwives adjusted the lighting before breastfeeding was initiated.
Improving the Work Environment and Birth Experience
The staff is thrilled with the use of Ergonomic Lighting in the delivery room. As midwife Marie Louise Knudsen noted:
— The light not only improves my working environment, but also enhances the birthing experience for the woman. It helps maintain focus on the natural processes in the body during labor. It supports the hormonal aspect of contractions and makes sense for the birthing woman and her partner by creating an atmosphere and space that emphasizes the body's work and the natural process of labor. Parents are interested and surprised by the functions and significance of the light in relation to the progression of labor and contractions. I am very excited about it.
Enhances intimacy and well-being
Among the eight healthcare assistants, the most popular lighting is the soft pink breastfeeding light, followed by the calming greenish/golden light. All healthcare assistants adjust the lighting before initiating breastfeeding in the room. Overall, the healthcare assistants are enthusiastic about the Ergonomic Lighting in the delivery room, as expressed in comments such as, "It's the right kind of light and feels great to work in - perfect to be able to adjust the lighting based on what's happening." "It creates intimacy, well-being, and a feel-good atmosphere." "There should be amazing lighting in all delivery rooms - it's fantastic to work in."
The Future of Ergonomic Lighting in Delivery Rooms
Rikke Damkjær Maimburg, who is a MPH, Ph.D., and research leader at Aarhus University Hospital, was the one who initiated the installation of Ergonomic Lighting in Delivery Room 11. What is Rikke's perspective on the future spread of Ergonomic Lighting in delivery rooms - and what is needed?
— I would like to see an increase in innovation in our birthing environments, including better lighting design, like what we have done in Room 11 and Room 31, says Rikke Damkjær Maimburg, concluding:
— I would really appreciate it if it was prioritized to have Ergonomic Lighting installed throughout our maternity ward - including in the corridors and the staff room - because light is beneficial for our work environment. The maternity ward is an acute department where we work efficiently around the clock. We don't slow down the pace in the evening and night shifts like in many other wards. The Ergonomic Lighting can contribute to creating a better work environment for the staff - and a better and more individually tailored birthing environment for the mother and her partner.