Abstract
Objective
To assess the preferences of women undergoing cesarean delivery regarding intraoperative conversations among healthcare personnel.
Methods
This cross-sectional study was conducted by distribution of an open anonymous questionnaire on social media platforms during March 2022, targeting respondents with a history of cesarean delivery. The primary outcome was patients’ experience of “being disturbed by professional and casual conversations of the personnel”, rated on a 1–5 Likert scale.
Results
1203 participants completed the questionnaire, with 97.6% reporting intraoperative conversations among personnel. Casual conversations were perceived as “disturbing” by more respondents vs. professional talk (33.4% vs. 27.6%, respectively, p = 0.0077). Logistic regression analysis revealed associations between feeling disturbed and higher intraoperative stress and pain – adjusted Odds Ratio (OR) 3.1, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.1–4.5, and OR 2.7, 95%CI 1.8–4.0, respectively, for professional conversations; OR 3.0, 95%CI 2.0–4.4, and OR 1.7, 95%CI 1.1–2.7, respectively, for casual conversations. Feeling disturbed by professional conversations was also associated with urgent vs. elective operations (OR 2.0, 95%CI 1.4-3.0). Direct personnel-patient communication was associated with significantly lower stress levels (60.8% vs. 72.5% in the remaining cohort, p < 0.001).
Discussion
Intraoperative conversations of the personnel occur during vast majority of cesarean deliveries. Given that a substantial proportion of patients find these conversations disturbing, it is advisable to conduct a preliminary assessment of maternal preferences. This proactive step can help tailor communication strategies to individual patient comfort and preferences, ultimately enhancing the birthing experience and maternal well-being.
Significance
This study delves into a crucial aspect of cesarean delivery - the impact of intraoperative conversations among healthcare personnel on women's experiences. The findings underscore the prevalence of such conversations during cesarean deliveries, with a notable proportion of women expressing disturbance, particularly by casual interactions. The association between feeling disturbed and increased intraoperative stress and pain highlights the potential implications for maternal well-being. Notably, the study emphasizes the positive role of direct personnel-patient communication in reducing stress levels, advocating for a more patient-centered approach.
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Data Availability
The data is available on request.
Code Availability
Not applicable.
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Acknowledgements
Sincere gratitude and appreciation are expressed to Mrs. Moran Echar from the Genetics Institute at Carmel Medical Center in Haifa, Israel, for her invaluable assistance in coding the open responses; to Mrs. Nilli Stein from Carmel Medical Center in Haifa, Israel, for her expertise in conducting the statistical analysis, and lastly, to all the women who participated in the survey, as their contributions played a pivotal role in this study.
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Sagi-Dain, L. “We hear and we fear” – Insights of 1203 Women on Personnel Conversations During Cesarean Delivery. Matern Child Health J 28, 198–205 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10995-023-03852-9
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10995-023-03852-9