Obstetric recovery practice: a survey of UK obstetric anaesthetists

The 1998 guidelines for obstetric anaesthesia services state: "postoperative care of the obstetric patient should be in accordance with that of any postoperative patient". We sought to discover whether this standard of care was provided.

A questionnaire designed to investigate recovery room practice was sent to 251 UK obstetric units. The survey took place between January and June 2003.

The response rate was 78%. A total of 123 units (63%) had a dedicated obstetric recovery area. Midwives were exclusively responsible for postoperative parturient care in 113 units (58%) between 0900 and 1700 h and in 124 units (64%) after 1700 h. Dedicated recovery nurses were available in 59 units (30%) during the day, in contrast to 36 units (19%) after 1700 h. The level of background training ranged from no training (39%) to locally organised courses (32%), rotation through surgical areas (21%) and nationally organised English National Board courses (8%).

The survey demonstrates that current obstetric recovery room practice does not always adhere to the recommended Association of Anaesthetists of Great Britain and Ireland guidelines. The provision of dedicated recovery staff or a cohort of specifically trained midwives may help to improve existing standards.