Validation of Canadian mothers' recall of events in labour and delivery with electronic health records

• Main Authors: Bat-Erdene Uilst (Author), Metcalfe Amy (Author), McDonald Sheila W (Author), Tough Suzanne C (Author)
• Format: Book
• Published: BMC, 2013-01-01T00:00:00Z.
• Subjects: article
• Online Access: Connect to this object online.

Summary

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Maternal report of events that occur during labour and delivery are used extensively in epidemiological research; however, the validity of these data are rarely confirmed. This study aimed to validate maternal self-report of events that occurred in labour and delivery with data found in electronic health records in a Canadian setting<b>.</b></p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Data from the All Our Babies study, a prospective community-based cohort of women's experiences during pregnancy, were linked to electronic health records to assess the validity of maternal recall at four months post-partum of events that occurred during labour and delivery. Sensitivity, specificity and kappa scores were calculated. Results were stratified by maternal age, gravidity and educational attainment.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Maternal recall at four months post-partum was excellent for infant characteristics (gender, birth weight, gestational age, multiple births) and variables related to labour and delivery (mode of delivery, epidural, labour induction) (sensitivity and specificity >85%). Women who had completed a university degree had significantly better recall of labour induction and use of an epidural.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Maternal recall of infant characteristics and events that occurred during labour and delivery is excellent at four months post-partum and is a valid source of information for research purposes.</p>

Item Description

10.1186/1471-2393-13-S1-S3
1471-2393