Does the use of a patient information video affect maternal antenatal anxiety and post-natal maternal satisfaction for patients who have not previously experienced elective caesarean section?

Video-based patient information supplementing clinician interview has been shown to reduce anxiety and improve satisfaction in patients undergoing procedures. In Queensland more than 90% of caesarean sections are performed under regional anaesthesia. We aimed to assess the effect of using an information video about neuraxial blockade in patients having regional anaesthesia for elective caesarean section. Subjects were randomised to undergo usual care (Group C), or to view a video and undergo usual care (Group V). Subjects completed the Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory preoperatively and the Maternal Satisfaction with Caesarean Section Score questionnaire postoperatively. Satisfaction with, and duration of the preoperative anaesthetic interview, were noted. One-hundred and forty three subjects were randomised and 110 completed the protocol and analysis. Group C and Group V were similar in terms demographic and anaesthesia data. There was no difference in anxiety score or interview duration between the two groups. The use of an anaesthesia information video does not reduce preoperative anxiety or increase the duration of the anaesthetic interview. Maternal satisfaction with neuraxial blockade for elective caesarean is high and not improved by an anaesthesia information video.