Communications during epidural catheter placement for labour analgesia

Abstract

Evidence suggests that anaesthetists' communication can affect patient experience. There is a lack of guidance for anaesthetists as to the optimal verbal communication to use during insertion of epidurals on the labour ward. We recorded the verbal communication used by 14 anaesthetists during the siting of epidural catheters in women on the labour ward; a classification of the language used was subsequently devised. We found that commands and information statements were the most common types of communication used. Individual anaesthetists differed markedly in their use of positive and negative verbal language. This classification of verbal communication that we produced may be of value in future training and research of verbal communication used by anaesthetists on the labour ward.

Consent for pediatric anesthesia: an observational study

“…Although our sample size was at least comparable to several other published observational studies, such as Slater et al. – 14 Anesthetists (15), Coiera and Tombs – 8 physicians and 96 events (16), Carlyle and Tombs – 83 observations (17), there was insufficient data to determine whether individual anesthetists consistently relate the same risks. This important issue could be studied in future by observing a much larger number of pre‐anesthesia consultations with perhaps fewer individual anesthetists.…”

Pain, Pain Relief, Satisfaction and Excellence in Obstetric Anesthesia: A Surprisingly Complex Relationship

“…This concept has been validated in a variety of other studies in obstetric anesthesia and other similar settings. [15][16][17][18][19] We can indeed influence our patient's experiences by small subtle behavioral changes! Third, anesthesiologists can enhance women's experience of care by advocating for changes in hospital policies and protocols that afford women greater control in birth.…”

Antenatal education for childbirth: Labour and birth

“…Direct content analysis using predetermined codes based on an observational study by Slater et al 13 were used. The predetermined categories 13 were an extension of those used in similar communication studies by nurses 14 and radiologists 15 , examining the use of positive and negative statements and suggestions. Data that could not be coded initially were analysed later to determine if they represented a new category or a subcategory of existing coding categories 16 .…”

“…Data that could not be coded initially were analysed later to determine if they represented a new category or a subcategory of existing coding categories 16 . Categories used included: storytelling, imagery, metaphor, information statements, direct and indirect commands, and positive and negative suggestions 13 (Table 1). Transcripts were generated from audio recordings and subsequently analysed by two researchers independently to ensure reliability of the analysis 17 .…”

“…Transcripts were generated from audio recordings and subsequently analysed by two researchers independently to ensure reliability of the analysis 17 . The categorised language structures were compared to assess consistency of analysis 13 . When concordance was not observed the discrepancies were discussed and a third researcher was consulted.…”