ISSN:
1477-7274
Source:
Emerald Fulltext Archive Database 1994-2005
Topics:
Medicine
,
Economics
Notes:
Aims to assess the benefits of using a mnemonic to structure the care given during episodes of shoulder dystocia, an obstetric emergency that has important sequelae for the mother and infant. A retrospective case-notes-based study was carried out to describe practice prior to the introduction of the mnemonic. A prospective study was undertaken to evaluate the use of a mnemonic in practice, and whether this had an effect on foetal morbidity. Prior to the introduction of the mnemonic and structured documentation, care was delivered in an unstructured and in a non-evidence-based manner in 35 per cent of patients; documentation was incomplete in 68 per cent of cases. There was a 5 per cent incidence of injury to the infant. Following the introduction of a mnemonic, the use of evidence-based manoeuvres increased to 100 per cent, and care was delivered in a structured manner and there were no recorded injuries to infants. The management of shoulder dystocia has been made safer and more controlled by using a mnemonic to describe an evidence-based pathway. It has facilitated a multi-disciplinary team-based approach to the management of this obstetric emergency.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/14777270410566670
Permalink
