Author:
Barrett Niamh,Ryan Helen,Corcoran Siobhan,Burke Naomi,McMillan Helen,Geary Michael
Abstract
We sought to audit the documentation of shoulder dystocia in our institution and re-audit following the introduction of a structured proforma. All cases of shoulder dystocia were identified and studied retrospectively from January 1st2005 to December 31st2006. A standardized proforma was introduced and cases of shoulder dystocia were prospectively identified over a 6 month period in 2008. The incidence of shouder dystocia was 0.79% in the initial study and 1.36% in the subsequent audit. Documentation improved with the introduction of the proforma. There was also a significant improvement in neonatal APGARs in the re-audit (35% vs 11.5% APGARs <7 at 1 minute), suggesting improved management of cases of shoulder dystocia. The introduction of a proforma significantly improved the documentation of cases of shoulder dystocia. We would encourage other units to introduce a similar proforma to improve documentation of shoulder dystocia.