Information shared with mothers prior to caesarean section: A national audit of compliance with recommended information

Abstract

We assessed how information on complications at caesarean section was shared with mothers undergoing this operation and determined whether this information was within the NICE and RCOG guidelines. A postal questionnaire survey, involving 170 consultant-led maternity units in England, was sent out. We analysed the methods of giving this information and compliance with National guidelines and explored the need to standardise this information nationally. A response rate of 84.11% was achieved (143/170). A total of 50/143 (34.97%) units share information using risk stickers, pre-typed or standard checklist forms, which aim to achieve consistency of information sharing. In contrast 92/143 (64.34%) units rely on information given from memory of doctors. Subgroup analysis of 23 hospitals revealed large heterogeneity in information provided to women before caesarean section. Our survey indicated a large variation in the information given to women prior to caesarean section and thus the need for standardised written information.

Keywords::

• Caesarean section
• consent
• patient information

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Erratum

Acknowledgements

We thank Mrs Patricia Fowler, Obstetrics secretary at York Hospital NHS Trust, for sending out the letters, and the labour ward sisters who took the time to fill the questionnaires.

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