Defining the skill, training and assessment of instrumental delivery

Approximately 11% of women give birth with the aid of ventouse and forceps (instrumental deliveries). Instrumental deliveries are associated with risks of trauma to mother and baby, although significant injury is very low. However, various studies have reported that the risk of injury is higher if inexperienced hands perform the delivery. These deliveries can lead to psychological trauma with many women choosing not to have any more children because of fear of childbirth, and some opting to undergo caesarean section in the subsequent pregnancy.

The aim of this study is to define the skill involved in instrumental delivery focusing on technical and non-technical skills, and to identify the training needs of junior obstetricians. This will enable a training programme to be devised as well as an assessment tool that offers an objective evaluation of an obstetrician’s skill, therefore reducing the risk of trauma during instrumental delivery.

27 Sussex Place
Regent's Park
London NW1 4SP

Tel: 020 7772 6400
Fax: 020 7724 7725
wellbeingofwomen@rcog.org.uk

Registered Charity No: 239281

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