The development of an intrapartum intervention score based on women's experiences

Abstract

This study describes the development of an intrapartum intervention score used to quantify the degree of intervention in childbirth. Existing measures do not cover the wide range of current interventions, and are not empirically based. A sample of 1,714 postnatal women rated 20 interventions on an 11-point scale according to ‘how much of a medical procedure’ they perceived the interventions to be. Scores for each intervention were derived from the mean ratings given by women who had experienced the interventions. The sum of the scores for the individual interventions gave an overall intrapartum intervention score. There were some important differences between the scores assigned by women and scores assigned in non-empirical existing measures. Women gave high scores to episiotomy and suturing, while existing measures do not. Women gave similar ratings to Caesarean and forceps deliveries and epidurals, whereas existing measures give a much higher rating to Caesarean section than to the other interventions. It is hoped that this empirically derived intrapartum intervention score will be a useful tool in future research on the psychological effects of interventions in childbirth.