Impact of a Video Explaining Epidural Analgesia in Obstetrics

Impact of a Video Explaining Epidural Analgesia in Obstetrics in Terms of Satisfaction, Understanding and Anxiety: A Prospective Randomised Trial

The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of multimedia information on epidural anesthesia. Pregnant women were randomly assessed to get a video information in addition to an oral and written information on epidural anesthesia. Maternal satisfaction concerning the quality of the information as well their anxiety and understanding of the procedure were assessed and compared in both groups.

The information in anesthesia consultation is mandatory. Few studies have investigated the impact of multimedia preoperative information in terms of satisfaction, comprehension and anxiety, with conflicting results. None have evaluated the contribution of a video explaining epidural analgesia in obstetrics. This study compared two types of information given in anesthesia consultation: an oral and written information (group P) versus oral, written and video information (group V). The main objective was maternal satisfaction, the secondary objectives were understanding and anxiety.

This is a common care, prospective and randomized study, conducted between September 2015 and February 2016 in the Creteil Intercommunal Hospital Center (CHIC) and accepted by the ethics committee Paris V. After information, not opposition of women who accepted to participated was collected. Oral information on epidural analgesia was provided in consultation by the anesthesiologist, with delivery of a written information sheet. The video made at CHIC in 2015, was transmitted, in addition, by email to patients randomized in the group V for she could look it at their convenience. Satisfaction and anxiety were evaluated by numerical scale from 0 to 10 and comprehension by multiple choice questions with a final score of 10. These three criteria were also evaluated in an emergency context in which women received oral and written information (group U). Evaluation questionnaires were given during the anesthesia consultation and recovered during the hospitalization after childbirth.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Pregnant woman
• Affiliated to social security system
• Understanding French language
• Internet access
• >18 years old and not subject to a measure of legal protection

Exclusion Criteria:

• Contre indications to epidural
• Refusal to participate in the study
• Not affiliated with the Social Security system
• No understanding French
• No access to Internet
• Patient minor or under legal protection