Obstetric trainees' experience in VBD and ECV in the UK

Abstract

A survey of 100 obstetric trainees was performed to determine the level of experience in vaginal breech delivery (VBD) and external cephalic version (ECV) in the UK. The response rate was 80%. Sixty-four of the respondents were in their 4th or 5th year of old-style ‘Calman’ specialist registrar training, with the majority having had ≥5 years of experience in obstetrics including overseas experience. A total of 15 had performed less than five, 12 between five and ten, and 53 more than ten VBDs. In spite of limited training, 80% of the trainees felt confident in performing vaginal breech deliveries and were happy to offer VBD as an option in the future. All the respondents offered ECV to their patients and 63% had undergone practical training. Training in VBD should be continued in all settings and it should be a part of routine skills and drills teaching.

Keywords:

• ECV
• obstetrics trainees
• vaginal breech delivery

Declaration of interest: The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.