[Changes in the use of episiotomy--methods and consequences]

The aim of the study was to evaluate the use of feedback by graphical profiles of rates of episiotomy and the impact on clinical practice and perineal state after spontaneous vaginal deliveries assisted by midwives with different attitudes towards episiotomy. We defined an observation period in our labour ward followed by feedback to the midwives concerning their own and the other midwives' use of episiotomies. The periods prior to and following the intervention were compared. All women (n = 3919) delivering during the two periods assisted by one of 30 midwives with at least 20 deliveries during each period were included. The overall rate of episiotomy during the observation period was 37.1%. During the second period the rate was 6.6% lower (95% confidence interval (CI):3.6-9.6%) corresponding to a relative decrease of 17.8% (CI:10.1-24.7%). Higher rates of episiotomy during the observation period were associated with larger reductions in the second period. The decrease could be explained by the less frequent use of episiotomy in deliveries with rigid perineum or impending perineal tear. Compared with the observation period, 3.2% more women (CI:0.3-6.3%) had an intact perineum after delivery in the second period, and 3.4% more women (CI:0.4-6.2%) experienced perineal tears. The overall frequency of tears of the anal sphincter remained unchanged. However, women had slightly reduced frequency of tears of the anal sphincter if they were delivered by midwives who reduced a medium or high initial rate of episiotomy; and a tendency towards increased frequency of tears if they were assisted by midwives who reduced low initial rates (around 20%) of episiotomy.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)