RecruitingOBSERVATIONAL

EPIDURAL- Evaluation of Preexisting Information Regarding Neuroaxial Procedures for Labour Analgesia

This study, called EPIDURAL, is looking into what pregnant women already know about pain relief options, like epidurals or spinal anaesthesia, for labour. Before women have a consultation with an anaesthetist (a doctor who specialises in pain relief and anaesthetics), this research asks them, through an anonymous online survey, about their current understanding of these procedures. It also aims to find out where they got this information from, whether it's from friends, family, the internet, or other sources. The goal is to help doctors understand what information women have already heard, so they can better address any misunderstandings and provide the clearest, most accurate details during their consultations.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

Goethe University

Enrolment target

1,000

Start

01 Mar 2025

Estimated completion

01 Nov 2026

Neuroaxial Analgesia Procedures

What is this study about?

This research project, called EPIDURAL, wants to understand what pregnant women know about certain pain relief methods used during childbirth, such as epidurals or spinal anaesthesia, before they speak with a specialist doctor (an anaesthetist). These types of pain relief are very common and widely used in hospitals.

The doctors involved in this research have noticed that there's a lot of information circulating, especially online, about these procedures. Sometimes this information isn't quite right or leads to misunderstandings about how safe these pain relief methods are, or what side effects they might have. This can make it harder for doctors to have a straightforward conversation with patients about informed consent, as they often have to spend time correcting misinformation.

So, this study is using an anonymous online survey to ask pregnant women about their existing knowledge and where they're getting their information from. By understanding this, doctors hope to learn how to better explain these important procedures during consultations, making sure patients receive accurate information and feel confident in their choices for labour.

Key takeaways

This study is about understanding what pregnant women know about labour pain relief.
It uses an anonymous online survey to gather information.
It aims to help doctors give clearer advice to future patients.
You'll be asked about your understanding and where you get your information.
Participation is voluntary and does not involve medical procedures or medications.
Your answers are completely anonymous and will not affect your care.

Who may be eligible?

To take part in this study, you need to be pregnant and about to give birth. You also need to be at least 18 years old.

Essentially, if you are an adult pregnant woman who hasn't yet had your anaesthetic consultation for labour pain relief, you could be eligible to participate.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you currently pregnant?
Are you 18 years old or older?
Have you *not yet* had your specialist consultation with an anaesthetist about labour pain relief?
Are you able to complete an online survey?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part in this study, you would be asked to complete an anonymous online survey. This survey will ask questions about what you already know about epidurals and other similar pain relief options for labour, and where you've heard this information. It's designed to be completed before you have your consultation with the anaesthetist. There are no hospital visits, medical assessments, or medications involved. It's a one-off survey, so there's no follow-up required after you've completed it. The total time commitment should be quite short, just the time it takes to fill out the online survey.

Potential risks and benefits

There are no direct medical benefits for you from taking part in this study, as it's an observational survey about your knowledge. However, your input could help doctors better understand how to talk to pregnant women about pain relief in the future, benefitting other patients. There are no physical risks involved as you're only completing an online survey. The main potential risk is that you might feel some questions are personal, but your answers are completely anonymous. You are free to withdraw from the survey at any point without giving a reason, and this will not affect your medical care in any way.

Locations (1)

University Hospital Frankfurt
Verified postcode
Frankfurt am Main, Germany· Recruiting

Common questions

What is an 'epidural'?

An epidural is a common type of pain relief used during labour where medicine is given through a small tube in your back to numb the lower part of your body while you remain awake.

Why is this study interested in what I already know?

The study wants to understand what information pregnant women encounter before speaking to a doctor. This helps doctors know how to give the best and clearest advice during your consultation.

Is my name linked to my answers?

No, all your answers are completely anonymous. The study does not collect any personal information that could identify you.

Do I have to take part?

No, taking part is completely your choice. Your decision won't affect the care you receive from your doctors or medical team in any way.

What if I don't know much about pain relief options?

That's perfectly fine! The study wants to know what people truly know, whether it's a lot or a little. There are no right or wrong answers in the survey.

How to find out more

Armin N Flinspach, MD.

armin.flinspach@kgu.de 00496963015868 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.