On call: a survey of Wisconsin obstetric groups

The purpose of this study was to identify patterns of obstetric call in order to identify areas of focus for future evaluation of "best practices."

A telephone survey of obstetricians in Wisconsin was conducted, attempting to sample 1 physician from each group or call pool in every hospital in the state.

Sixty-six physicians responded to this survey. The range in size of call pools was 1 to 11, with the median being 5. The duration of call is usually 24 hours. All have other nondelivery responsibilities while on call. In-house call is almost always limited to hospitals with residencies (6/8). Twenty-three percent of groups have formalized back-up systems, and 26% of groups have recovery provisions after call.

There is no standard call system. Practicing obstetricians are commonly on call for longer hours and have less time off after call than is now mandated for obstetric residents, though work intensity may vary.