Epidural analgesia in labor: Turkish obstetricians' attitudes and knowledge

Epidural analgesia is the most common preferred method of labor analgesia. The aim of this study is to evaluate the knowledge and attitudes of Turkish obstetricians and gynecologists concerning epidural analgesia and to reveal their doubts as well. A prospective survey amongst obstetricians and gynecologists in Turkey (n=152) was conducted to obtain information about obstetricians' education, knowledge and attitudes with respect to epidural analgesia during labor. The response rate to the survey was 94.7 %. Most respondents only received lectures about epidural analgesia after their specialty training. 35 % of respondents did not achieve an adequate knowledge score. Those with six to fifteen years experience achieved significantly better scores. A delay up to twenty minutes before epidural placement is acceptable to 84 % of respondents. In our opinion, the results of this survey indicate that education regarding epidural analgesia, both during and after obstetric speciality training, could be improved, and this education would best be provided by anesthetists in collaboration with obstetricians. It is hoped that closer collaboration between anesthetists and obstetricians during their respective training and in continuing medical education can be fostered.