Date of Award

8-2009

Document Type

Independent Study

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Abstract

In the field of anesthesia, an epidural is the most common fonn of analgesia for laboring mothers. Legally, in order for an anesthesia provider to place an epidural, the parturient must be educated regarding this form of analgesia. Most anesthesia providers do educate their patients regarding epidurals. However, several problems arise with current procedures including a majority of the education taking place while the mother is in labor and being provided by someone other than anesthesia personnel. These problems pose questions such as: (A) ls this the most efficacious time to educate expecting mothers, (B) Does the parturient truly understanding the risks and benefits of epidural analgesia, and (C) Who should be providing this education?

The plan for this project will be to develop an antenatal educational course for expectant mothers using power point presentation as well as visual aids. The course will discuss labor analgesic techniques with its core focus on epidurals. An anesthesia provider will also explain the goals, benefits, risks and complications of epidural analgesia

Anticipated results of this project will be to provide appropriate education to expectant mothers at a better time and under conditions that are more comfortable. The women completing this course will understand both positive and negative aspects of choosing an epidural for labor as well as have an opportunity to ask questions. Another wonderful benefit with this timely education will be a decreased amount of anxiety felt by parturients as they enter the hospital on that special day

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