Labour epidural analgesia in Martinique: evaluation of quality and accessibility to epidural analgesia by the patients in level one obstetric clinic

Objectives - The main aim of this study was to evaluate real-life experience and the quality of labor epidural analgesia (LEA) by the patients, from the anaesthesia consultation to leaving the clinic after childbirth. Study design - Descriptive study. Patients and methods - This study took place over a period of 8 weeks, at the level 1 obstetric clinic in Martinique. One hundred and thirty-four successive patients completed an anonymous questionnaire following childbirth. Results - During the study period (134 patients completed the questionnaire, corresponding to 100% return) 127 women had asked for LEA (94%), which was possible in 94%, with a patient satisfaction level of 94% and an average mark for quality at 18/20. The quality of information given at the anaesthesia consultation was judged excellent for 97%, and 91% were reassured by the consultation. The delay between the demand and the LEA procedure was less than 15 min in 63%, and in 39% the procedure was done during the night. The procedure was painless in 63%, and 97% of women were ready to begin the same procedure again. Conclusion - This study seems to underline the fact that the needs and the acceptability of LEA are the same in Martinique as in mainland France. This study does not support the hypothesis of the cultural barrier to justify the low level of LEA in the Overseas Departments. An obvious result seems to be that good organization of anaesthesia and obstetric services results in a natural increase in LEA demand. (C) 2003 Elsevier SAS. Tous droits reserves.