Use of a Classification Tool to Determine Groups of Women That Contribute to the Cesarean Section Rate: Establishing a Baseline for Clinical Decision Making and Quality Improvement

Loading...
Thumbnail Image
File version

Version of Record (VoR)

Author(s)
Slavin, Valarie
Fenwick, Jennifer
Griffith University Author(s)
Primary Supervisor
Other Supervisors
Editor(s)
Date
2012
Size
File type(s)
Location
License
Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To identify the groups of women who are the largest contributors to the cesarean section rate at a maternity facility in South East Queensland, Australia. Examining the characteristics of these women will allow the development of unit-focused initiatives aimed at reducing cesarean sections in these groups of women. METHOD: A modified version of the Robson Ten Group Classification System was identified as the most appropriate tool to determine cesarean section rates in different groups of women. A prospective clinical audit was then carried out during a 6-month period in 2010 using the tool. FINDINGS: The Robson Ten Group Classification System identified that planned repeat cesarean section was the largest contributor to the cesarean rate. This was followed by women having their first baby, women having an induction, and women who have a breech presentation at term. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: The Robson classification tool was useful in identifying groups of women at risk of a cesarean section. Unit-specific strategies can now be developed and implemented in an effort to lower the rate. These include increasing the vaginal birth after cesarean rate, the uptake of external cephalic version, supporting nonintervention birth environments, and implementing models of care where clinicians are skilled in facilitating normal birth. The value of using such a tool is the ability to monitor change over time as well as facilitating the comparison of data between units of a similar nature.

Journal Title

International Journal of Childbirth

Conference Title
Book Title
Edition
Volume

2

Issue

2

Thesis Type
Degree Program
School
Publisher link
Patent number
Funder(s)
Grant identifier(s)
Rights Statement
Rights Statement

© 2012 Springer Publishing Company. The attached file is reproduced here in accordance with the copyright policy of the publisher. Please refer to the journal's website for access to the definitive, published version.

Item Access Status
Note
Access the data
Related item(s)
Subject

Midwifery

Nursing

Paediatrics and Reproductive Medicine

Other Medical and Health Sciences

Persistent link to this record
Citation
Collections