How anesthesiologists explain neuraxial pain relief to people in labor
Anesthesia Clinical Practice During Labour Neuraxial Analgesia: A Prospective Observational Study
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 |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 19 (estimated) |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of British Columbia Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Vancouver, British Columbia) |
| Trial ID | NCT07083167 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
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.
Who should consider this trial
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.
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.
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 performed: Previous research on anesthesiology informed-consent communication has shown variability between clinicians, but focused observational work specifically on labor neuraxial analgesia is limited.
Eligibility criteria
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 this trial is running
Vancouver, British Columbia
- 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
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.