Letters
GPs' opinions about provision of intrapartum care
EDITOR, - David J Brown's study of general practitioners' opinion on intrapartum care confirms the declining interest in the service.1 Why is this so when a movement from hospital to community based care is being encouraged2 and women are apparently demanding a choice?3 The reasons listed - workload, fear of litigation, and disruption of personal life - undoubtedly provide some explanation. Less is known, however, about women's desire for choice. Does the average woman not demand a choice? Does the typical general practitioner perceive that demand for intrapartum care is insufficient to justify the extra time, commitment, and resources required?
Intrapartum care provided by well motivated general practitioners is undoubtedly safe.4 These general practitioners, however, are in a minority. Studies of populations of general practitioners include many who claim to offer intrapartum care but assist at few deliveries and perform even fewer procedures. This may jeopardise safety. Women booked for
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- Opinions of general practioners in Nottinghamshire about provision of intrapartum care
- D J Brown
BMJ 1994 309: 777-779.[Abstract] [Full Text]
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