Survey of forceps delivery in North America in 1990.

Abstract

To determine whether opinions and practice patterns have markedly changed over the past decade and whether clinicians are cognizant of the new ACOG definitions for forceps deliveries. Two hundred ninety-five United States and Canadian residency programs were surveyed via a questionnaire; 203 (69%) responded. Statistical analysis was performed using the chi 2 test, Yates correction factor, and the extended Mantel-Haenszel test. All but two program directors (99%) were familiar with the new definitions, which were being used by 162 (80%) of the programs. All institutions used outlet and low forceps, although 14% no longer performed midforceps deliveries. Attending faculty were the primary instructors in 67% of United States and 100% of Canadian programs. Simpson forceps were the most commonly used for outlet (46%) and low (43%) forceps deliveries. Kielland (27%) and Simpson (24%) instruments were most commonly used for midforceps deliveries. Although the rate of midforceps use decreased, operative vaginal delivery was still commonly taught in residency programs in North America in 1990.