Prospective multidisciplinary audit of obstetric general anaesthesia in a district general hospital

In the 3 years leading up to March 2001, the general anaesthesia rate for emergency and elective caesarean sections at our hospital was higher than that recommended by the Royal College of Anaesthetists. There were also concerns regarding the quality of communication between surgeon and anaesthetist prior to emergency caesarean section. A multidisciplinary audit was undertaken on both the indications for obstetric general anaesthesia and quality of communication between staff members during the perioperative period between January and August 2002. The results of the audit highlighted potential serious shortfalls in communication and teamworking; however, there was insufficient information to assess the appropriateness of the indication for general anaesthesia. Following this audit recommendations were made to improve communication channels between the personnel on labour ward and this coincided with a reduction in the use of general anaesthesia.