Information in obstetric anaesthesia

Abstract Giving good evidence-based information to patients in a form that is readily understood is central to good medical practice and consent. Failure to do so can lead to patient dissatisfaction at best or increased morbidity and litigation at worst. Obstetric anaesthesia poses special problems to the anaesthetist in terms of giving good information. Patient choice and autonomy is enshrined in Changing childbirth and the challenge of changing needs in terms of pain relief for childbirth or anaesthesia for operative delivery demand the provision of good information in sometimes difficult circumstances. Giving information should be a continual process. It can be done antenatally in the form of good evidence-based information leaflets, videos and consultations in the anaesthetic assessment clinic. It is clear from the literature that women in labour want, and are capable of understanding, good information. It is vital for anaesthetists to work closely with their midwifery colleagues as women are generally in contact with them before the anaesthetist. The use of epidural information cards and pain-relief algorithms during the discussion between midwife and parturient early on in labour helps the information-giving process. The information-giving process should extend to the post-natal period where the anaesthetist has a central role in providing information before discharge on the possible side-effects of regional anaesthesia particularly with the trend to early discharge for uncomplicated deliveries. Further follow-up in anaesthetic clinics will pay dividends in terms of providing information and preparing the parturient for the future.