The obstetrical anaesthesia assessment clinic: a review of six years experience

General anesthesia for cesarean delivery at a tertiary care hospital from 2000 to 2005: a retrospective analysis and 10-year update

“…This reflects the experience of a number of other similar clinics. [12][13][14] Secondly, the policy to place epidural catheters ''prophylactically'' in high-risk cases (e.g. obesity, difficult airway, obstetric complications) early in labor has reduced the risk of an unanticipated GA; this is in keeping with the most recent ASA guidelines for obstetric anesthesia.…”

“…However, should this trend towards fewer obstetric GA continue, it is possible that attending anesthesiologists in the future will have little if any experience. Within our division, [12][13][14][15] residents are training every month. An average GA rate of 16 cases/year would imply 1-1.5 cases/month, unveiling a severe lack of exposure to obstetric GA; many residents have graduated without having performed a GA in an obstetric patient.…”

Antenatal anaesthetic assessment of high-risk pregnancy: a survey of UK practice

“…7 They concluded that their clinic provided a valuable service to the pregnant women, anaesthetists and obstetricians. The mothers benefited from antenatal education regarding options for pain relief and delivery, which was associated with a decrease in anxiety and an increased ability to make informed choices.…”

A national survey of obstetric anaesthesia guidelines in the UK

“…14,15 Referral guidance may help clinics run efficiently, aid communication between anaesthetic and obstetric staff and provide an opportunity for patient education. 16 In 2005, a survey of UK obstetric units showed that only 30% of units ran a formal anaesthetic pre-assessment clinic with 70% relying on ad hoc referrals. Therefore a guideline on conditions for referral for anaesthetic assessment could assist in the care of high-risk pregnancies, where financial or organisational constraints prevent the establishment of formal clinics.…”