Journal article
Impact of Anesthesiologists on the Incidence of Vaginal Birth After Cesarean in the United States: Role of Anesthesia Availability, Productivity, Guidelines, and Patient Safety
Seminars in Perinatology, Vol.34(5), pp.318-324
2010
DOI: 10.1053/j.semperi.2010.06.001
PMID: 20869547
Abstract
The rate of vaginal birth after cesarean delivery (VBAC) has been steadily decreasing in the United States. What is not clear, however, is what part the availability of anesthesia personnel has played in this reduction. We review the role of anesthesia services in the trend of the decreasing rates of VBAC. Three areas of particular interest to anesthesiology services are addressed: (1) the current ability of anesthesiologists in the United States to provide “immediate” availability for VBAC at all delivery locations; (2) the workforce estimates for anesthesiology staffing in the future; and (3) the barriers to the immediate availability of anesthesiologists in all hospitals that provide obstetrical care. The concept of “immediate availability” is discussed, and examples of ways to reduce the risks to patients are provided. Finally, possible solutions that may improve patient safety without a dramatic increase in number of anesthesiologists available to work on labor and delivery units are highlighted.
Details
- Title: Subtitle
- Impact of Anesthesiologists on the Incidence of Vaginal Birth After Cesarean in the United States: Role of Anesthesia Availability, Productivity, Guidelines, and Patient Safety
- Creators
- David J Birnbach - UM-JMH Center for Patient Safety, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FLBrenda A Bucklin - Department of Anesthesiology, University of Colorado, Aurora, COFranklin Dexter - Departments of Anesthesia and Health Management and Policy, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Publication Details
- Seminars in Perinatology, Vol.34(5), pp.318-324
- Publisher
- Elsevier Inc
- DOI
- 10.1053/j.semperi.2010.06.001
- PMID
- 20869547
- ISSN
- 0146-0005
- eISSN
- 1558-075X
- Language
- English
- Date published
- 2010
- Academic Unit
- Health Management and Policy; Anesthesia
- Record Identifier
- 9983806265402771
Metrics
19 Record Views