Related Experiment Videos
Patient choice cesarean--the Maine experience
Joseph R Wax1, Angelina Cartin, Michael G Pinette
1Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Maine Medical Center, Portland, Maine, United States.
Birth (Berkeley, Calif.)
|September 1, 2005
Summary
Most obstetricians are willing to perform patient choice cesarean deliveries, but few choose them for themselves. A randomized trial is needed to clarify optimal delivery methods.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Maternal-Fetal Medicine
- Surgical Decision-Making
Background:
- Patient choice cesarean refers to elective primary cesarean without medical indication.
- Understanding obstetricians' views on patient choice cesarean is crucial for clinical practice and policy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine obstetricians' attitudes and practices regarding patient choice cesarean in Maine, USA.
- To assess the factors influencing obstetricians' decisions on performing elective cesarean deliveries.
Main Methods:
- A questionnaire survey was distributed to actively practicing obstetricians in Maine.
- Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and comparative tests (Fisher exact, chi-square).
Main Results:
- 84.5% of respondents perform or would perform patient choice cesarean.
- Commonly cited reasons include continence, adverse birth experiences, and fear of childbirth.
- Younger women obstetricians were more likely to choose cesarean for themselves and interpret literature as supportive.
Conclusions:
- Maine obstetricians are generally willing to perform patient choice cesarean.
- There's a strong desire for a randomized trial comparing planned vaginal versus cesarean delivery.
- Few obstetricians prefer cesarean delivery for themselves or their partners.