EP113 Effect of structured counselling on women’s choice of anaesthesia for elective repeat caesarean section (ERCS): a cross sectional comparative survey from Pakistan

<h3>Background and Aims</h3> Women’s choice is significantly altered by the counselling. Majority of women’s beliefs are shaped by past experience and the information they receive. This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of structured counselling on women’s choice of obstetrical anesthesia for elective caesarean section <h3>Methods</h3> This was a cross-sectional comparative survey conducted at department of gynaecology (unit II), Abbasi Shaheed Hospital, Karachi, from 1st January, 2024 to 30th June, 2024. The study included 250 pregnant women at term ( 37 weeks) with a prior caesarean section, planned for elective caesarean having no contraindications to spinal or general anesthesia. Excluded from the study were women with obstetric emergencies like antepartum hemorrhage, cord prolapse, eclampsia, disseminated intravascular coagulation, vertebral column deformities, fetal distress and obstructed labor. They were asked about the technique of anesthesia they would prefer for their caesarean section. The women then received structured counselling and the choice was assessed again. Chi-square statistic was applied to assess the association between both choices taking p-value of 0.05 as statistically significant. Data were analyzed using the SPSS software program, version 15.0 (IBM, Armonk, USA). <h3>Results</h3> Out of 250 women recruited, before counselling 116 (46.4%) chose general anesthesia, 94 (37.6%) women chose spinal anesthesia whereas 40 (16%) had no particular preference. After receiving structured counselling 68 (27.2%) women chose general, 170 (68%) women opted for spinal and 12 (4.8%) women still remained undecided. The effect of structured counselling was assessed by cross-tabulating pre counselling choice and post-counselling choice. The Chi-square test statistic was significant at p = 0.001 showing a significant association of structured counselling on the choice of anesthesia. <h3>Conclusions</h3> With structured counselling more women considered the use of spinal anesthesia. Significant improvement can be expected in near future if more consistent information is provided. Consistency can be ensured by use of patient information leaflets.