Extended role for general practitioners in obstetrics? A medical audit

A study was designed to evaluate provision of services, process of medical care, and outcome in four general-practitioner obstetric units in isolated areas (Berwick, Whitby, Guernsey, and Brecon). All units were equipped to induce labour; to perform instrumental vaginal delivery and selected breech deliveries; and to remove placentas manually. All had some fetal monitoring equipment. Caesarean sections could not be performed at Berwick and Whitby. Proportions of normal deliveries during 1976-7 varied from 75% to 93%. Perinatal mortality was acceptably low, as were transfer rates for neonates and mothers in labour. With specialist help and particular attention to training and broadening local doctors' experience of abnormal obstetrics, such units should be able to provide an excellent obstetric service.