Education and community outreach initiatives

Since 2016, RCSI Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology has created a number of public engagement initiatives to share research findings and expertise within the local community and the wider general public, to promote the impact of health research on everyday life. We have a demonstrated track record in providing clear, accurate and evidence-based information, through the use of different media including, videos, podcasts, infographics, art exhibitions and Science Week initiatives.

Examples of high-profile outreach programmes from the RCSI-Rotunda department include:

Early Pregnancy Information Event (HRB, Conference and Event Sponsorship Scheme 2022-2023)

The first trimester of pregnancy is a particularly important time not only for baby’s development, but also for the women, parents-to-be and families that are adjusting to this big change. The aim of this initiative was to increase accessibility to experts’ advice and support, to promote health and wellbeing during the first stages of pregnancy and to highlight support services available at the Rotunda Hospital Dublin.

Debunking The Myths: The Science Behind Our Sexual Health (SFI, Discover Programme 2022-2023)

The Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology in collaboration with colleagues at the Rotunda Hospital developed Debunking the Myths, to provide clear and reliable information in relation to sexual health while also stimulating open discussion and curiosity around the topic. The programme consists of a series of interactive two-hour workshops and online engagement tools. Delivered by RCSI and Rotunda Hospital consultants, junior doctors, community GPs and researchers, the workshops explore a range of topics, including human papilloma virus (HPV) vaccine; contraception, menstruation; sexually transmitted infections (STI) prevention and fertility, to help teenagers learn more about these subjects in a non-biased and non-judgemental way.

BIAS: Gender Inequality in Women’s Healthcare and Research (SFI, Science Week 2021 and 2022)

BIAS is a SFI Science Week festival which aims to encourage national dialogue and debate around biases that still exist in our society and prevent women from pursuing a career in STEM, receiving adequate healthcare, and benefiting from research findings. The first steps to tackle biases is to create safe spaces where people will not feel ashamed to talk about these topics, create female role models that teenagers can refer to when choosing their career path, to move away from the one-size-fits-all way of thinking, and acknowledging each person’s specific needs based on their age, civil status, ability, gender, race and ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation and socio-economic status.

Real Talk with Real Mums (HRB, Knowledge and Dissemination Scheme, 2019-2020)

'Real Talk with Real Mums' is an expert advised and mum approved 10-episode podcast series, presented by Louise Mc Sharry, looking at the issues of everyday pregnancy with medical professionals and the real women who have gone through the pregnancy journey. Listen to the podcast on Spotify here.

The Breakfast Club (HRB, Knowledge and Dissemination Scheme, 2018-2020)

‘The Breakfast Club’ is the story of diabetes in pregnancy in Ireland. In a serialized, online graphic novelette, you will follow the lives of real women who have gone through the pregnancy journey with diabetes. They share their experiences from carrying out a glucose tolerance test, to figuring out how to use a glucometer, the trials and tribulations of diet and exercise, to taking part in a research study. You will get to know their lived experience, from the trivial to the serious, their apprehensions, their hopes, their frustrations and joy.

CREATE: The Art of Pregnancy, Birth and Beyond (HRB, Knowledge and Dissemination Scheme, 2018-2019)

A free art exhibition that highlighted common pregnancy and new-born health issues and celebrated the impact of perinatal research on mothers and babies in Ireland and internationally. CREATE was showcased at a number of cultural and clinical spaces in Cork, Galway and Dublin and welcomed over 14,000 visitors in 10 months.

Curious Parents (HRB, Knowledge and Dissemination Scheme, 2016-2017)

The Curious Parents initiative was a public outreach campaign designed around a series of short animated films that highlight maternal and newborn health issues. The inviting animation style, along with clear and concise content, helped bring parents along to learn more about pregnancy and neonatal life and the research that impacts these journeys. Videos on pre-eclampsia, gestational diabetes and how a newborn’s lungs work can her found here.