Journal article
A qualitative analysis of parturients’ perspectives on neuraxial labor analgesia
International journal of obstetric anesthesia, Vol.22(2), pp.119-123
04/2013
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijoa.2012.11.003
PMID: 23462298
Abstract
The decision to use, or not use, neuraxial analgesia is complex and likely multi-factorial. The objectives of this study were to understand parturients’ concerns about neuraxial analgesia, and the reasons for not anticipating the use of neuraxial analgesia using qualitative methodology.
English-speaking, term parturients, who had not requested or received labor analgesia, were recruited for this mixed-methods study. In addition to a quantitative survey, the results of which have been published elsewhere, women were asked open-ended questions regarding concerns about neuraxial analgesia and reasons for not anticipating its use. Answers were recorded verbatim and analyzed using qualitative methodology.
Interviews were conducted with 509 women. Thirty-nine percent of patients expressed some concern about neuraxial analgesia. These concerns were thematically represented by misunderstandings about neuraxial analgesia, general fears about the procedure, and lack of trust in providers. Many of the concerns were misunderstandings that were not supported by the medical literature. Of the 129 patients who did not anticipate using neuraxial analgesia, 23% stated that this was because they desired a natural childbirth and/or control over their labor experience, whereas 46% cited concerns about the procedure and its complications as the basis for their decision.
Many women who anticipate not using neuraxial analgesia may be basing their decision on an inaccurate understanding of the risks of the procedure. Improved patient education and counseling that target specific areas of concern may address these misunderstandings.
Details
- Title: Subtitle
- A qualitative analysis of parturients’ perspectives on neuraxial labor analgesia
- Creators
- P Toledo - Department of Anesthesiology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USAJ Sun - Department of Anesthesiology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USAF Peralta - Department of Anesthesiology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USAW.A Grobman - Center for Healthcare Equity/Institute for Healthcare Studies, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USAC.A Wong - Department of Anesthesiology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USAR Hasnain-Wynia - Center for Healthcare Equity/Institute for Healthcare Studies, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Publication Details
- International journal of obstetric anesthesia, Vol.22(2), pp.119-123
- Publisher
- Elsevier Ltd
- DOI
- 10.1016/j.ijoa.2012.11.003
- PMID
- 23462298
- ISSN
- 0959-289X
- eISSN
- 1532-3374
- Language
- English
- Date published
- 04/2013
- Academic Unit
- Anesthesia
- Record Identifier
- 9984006346902771
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