Obstetric perineal trauma: An audit of training

Abstract

This study aimed to establish if trainee doctors and qualified midwives have adequate knowledge of perineal anatomy, if the classification of perineal tears is consistent, and to assess satisfaction with training. Seventy-five doctors (53 registrars and 22 senior house officers of at least 6 months training in obstetrics) and 75 qualified midwives were interviewed and a questionnaire was completed. More than half the doctors and midwives who named the muscles that were usually cut during an uncomplicated episiotomy wrongly named the levator ani. There was considerable variation in the definition of a third degree tear. Less than 20 per cent of doctors and less than 48 per cent of midwives co..