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Published on: February 5, 2019
[Antimicrobial prophylaxis for caesarean delivery: changes in practice and administration before incision,
M Rambourdin1, M Bonnin, B Storme
1Anesthésie-réanimation, pôle gynécologie obstétrique et reproduction humaine, hôpital Estaing, CHU de Clermont-Ferrand, 1, place Lucie-Aubrac, 63003 Clermont-Ferrand cedex 1, France.
Insights
Paediatricians surveyed showed limited knowledge of current guidelines for antimicrobial prophylaxis during caesarean sections. However, most supported timely antibiotic administration before incision, indicating potential for practice change.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Pediatrics
- Infectious Disease
Context:
- Antimicrobial prophylaxis is crucial for preventing surgical site infections during caesarean sections.
- Adherence to established guidelines, such as those from the French Society of Anesthesia and Intensive Care (SFAR), is essential for optimal patient outcomes.
- Understanding healthcare professionals' knowledge and attitudes is key to implementing evidence-based practices.
Purpose:
- To assess paediatricians' awareness of recommended antimicrobial prophylaxis protocols for caesarean sections.
- To evaluate the feasibility of adopting a new practice: administering antibiotics before the initial incision.
- To identify potential barriers and facilitators to changing current practices among paediatricians in the Perinatal Health Network of Auvergne (RSPA).
Summary:
- A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 46 paediatricians in the RSPA.
- Initial surveys revealed low awareness of recommended antibiotic timing for caesarean sections (25%).
- A subsequent survey indicated strong support (87%) for administering antibiotics before incision, with most believing it would not negatively impact newborn care or delay necessary treatments.
Impact:
- The study highlights a gap in paediatricians' knowledge regarding caesarean section antimicrobial prophylaxis guidelines.
- Findings suggest a positive attitude towards earlier antibiotic administration, indicating potential for improved adherence to best practices.
- This research can inform targeted educational interventions to enhance the implementation of evidence-based prophylaxis protocols, ultimately improving maternal and neonatal health outcomes.
Objective:
To describe the knowledge of paediatricians regarding the practice of antimicrobial prophylaxis for caesarean section in reference to the Consensus Conference of the French Society of Anesthesia and Intensive Care (SFAR) and assess the feasibility of a change in attitude (injection of the antibiotic prior to incision) among paediatricians Perinatal Health Network of Auvergne (RSPA) working in maternity.
Study Design:
Cross sectional study by survey.
Methods:
First questionnaire was sent to 46 RSPA paediatricians working in maternity. Almost one-third of paediatricians who returned the questionnaire said they were not concerned. A second questionnaire was developed with two paediatricians of the CHU and sent to the same 46 paediatricians. The statistical part involved percentages.
Results:
Response rates were respectively 61% and 67%. For the first questionnaire, only 25% of the paediatricians knew the antibiotic and the time for injection. For the second questionnaire, 87% were in favour of an administration before incision and 42% thought it will not affect the care of the newborn. For 35% of respondents, it could lead to a change in the duration of antibiotic therapy in cases of perinatal infection and for 13% only a delay in the implementation of antibiotic therapy in children.
Conclusion:
The RSPA paediatricians did not know the practices of antibiotic prophylaxis for caesarean section. However, they did not appear opposed to an administration before cord clamping as it would not delay the implementation of any antibiotics in the newborn.
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