How anesthesiologists explain neuraxial pain relief to people in labor
Official title: Anesthesia Clinical Practice During Labour Neuraxial Analgesia: A Prospective Observational Study
Run by University of British Columbia · NCT07083167 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project will test how anesthesiologists describe the procedure, risks, alternatives, and expected effects to healthy people in labor who are getting neuraxial analgesia.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 19 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of British Columbia Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Vancouver, British Columbia) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | April 2, 2025 |
| Main results expected | September 30, 2025 |
| Study ends | December 30, 2025 |
| Registry record updated | July 24, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT07083167 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal participants are healthy, uncomplicated pregnant people in active labor at BC Women's Hospital who plan to receive neuraxial analgesia and agree to be observed.
✕Probably not a fit
People with obstetric or medical complications that require altered analgesia practices, those needing emergency procedures, or those not planning neuraxial analgesia are unlikely to benefit from this project's findings.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This is an observational project at BC Women's Hospital that will watch obstetric anesthesiologists during routine neuraxial analgesia (epidural or spinal) for healthy, uncomplicated laboring patients. Investigators will record the informed consent conversation and communication during the procedure, focusing on descriptions of technical steps, alternatives, risks, complications, and expected effects. The team hypothesizes there will be differences in wording, thoroughness, and framing between clinicians. No changes to clinical care will be made and only cases without comorbidities that require deviation from routine practice will be included.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the findings could help make consent conversations clearer and more consistent so patients better understand pain-relief options during labor.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research on anesthesiology informed-consent communication has shown variability between clinicians, but focused observational work specifically on labor neuraxial analgesia is limited.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * all obstetric anesthesiologists working in maternity unit Exclusion Criteria: * any comorbidity of the patient that would necessitate deviation from a routine practice for the initiation of labor neuraxial analgesia
Where it's running
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Department of Anesthesia at BC Women's Hospital, University of British Columbia.
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Vit B Gunka, MD — Department of Anesthesia at BC Women's Hospital
- Study coordinator: Vit B Gunka, MD
- Email: vgunka@cw.bc.ca
- Phone: 604-875-6078
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.