Not yet recruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Pre-anesthetic Teleconsultations During Pregnancy

This study compares online doctor's appointments (teleconsultations) with traditional in-person visits for pregnant people needing an anaesthetic check-up before childbirth. It aims to see if online consultations are just as good at making sure all the necessary safety steps for anaesthesia are covered. We'll also ask participants how happy they were with their experience. During pregnancy, usually between 32 and 36 weeks, it's important to have a chat with an anaesthetist to discuss pain relief options and any potential risks. This study wants to understand if doing these chats online is as effective and satisfying for pregnant people as doing them face-to-face. Your participation could help improve how these important appointments are offered in the future.

At a glance

Status

Not yet recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

University Hospital, Bordeaux

Enrolment target

250

Start

30 Jun 2026

Estimated completion

01 Jun 2028

Pregnancy Anesthesia Satisfaction Telemedicine

What is this study about?

When you're pregnant and getting ready for childbirth, it's really important to have a chat with an anaesthetist. This usually happens a few weeks before your due date, typically between 32 and 36 weeks. In this appointment, you'll discuss different pain relief options, like epidurals, and go over any potential risks linked to anaesthesia and giving birth. It's all about making sure you feel informed and safe.

Now, these appointments can be done either in person or, more recently, through a video call (what we call a teleconsultation). However, we don't fully know yet if teleconsultations are as good and reassuring for pregnant people as meeting face-to-face, or how satisfied people are with them in this particular situation. That's exactly what this study aims to find out.

We will be comparing how well teleconsultations work against traditional in-person appointments. We'll check if both methods cover all the important points needed to ensure your anaesthesia is safe. We'll also ask volunteers about their experience and how happy they were with their consultation. Your involvement could help improve how pregnant people receive these vital pre-birth check-ups in the future, making them more convenient and accessible.

Key takeaways

Compares online vs. in-person anaesthesia appointments for pregnant people.
Aims to check safety and patient satisfaction for pre-birth consultations.
Participation involves either an online or in-person appointment and a follow-up survey.
Could help improve convenience and access to important pre-birth care.
You can withdraw from the study at any time without affecting your medical care.
This study is for pregnant people having their first pregnancy at Bordeaux University Hospital.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for pregnant people who will be giving birth at Bordeaux University Hospital. You need to be between 18 years old and any age above that. You should not have any serious health problems that would make your anaesthetic risk very high (your doctor will know if your 'ASA score' is 1 or 2). You should also be having your first pregnancy.

To take part, you'll need to have access to the internet and devices like a smartphone or computer, along with a working email address and phone number. This is important to help us communicate with you and for you to participate in potential online appointments.

Unfortunately, you can't join if you're under 18, don't speak French, or have severe back problems (like scoliosis needing surgery). Also, if you have certain mental health conditions that make it difficult to understand or agree to the study, or if you have very complex health issues, you wouldn't be able 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 pregnant and planning to give birth at Bordeaux University Hospital?
Are you having your first pregnancy?
Do you have access to the internet and a smartphone/computer, email, and phone?
Are you 18 years old or older?
Do you speak French?
Do you not have a serious pre-existing back condition or very complex health issues?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you choose to take part in this study, the process usually begins between 8 and 4 weeks before your planned anaesthesia appointment. We'll explain the study in more detail and ask for your consent.

Once you agree, you'll be randomly put into one of two groups: either you'll have your anaesthesia chat online (a teleconsultation) or you'll have it in person at Bordeaux University Hospital. We'll try to keep your appointment time as close as possible to your original booking.

After your pre-anaesthesia consultation, about two weeks later, we'll send you some questionnaires by email. These will ask about your satisfaction with the appointment and how you travelled to it (if you had an in-person visit). Finally, when you have your baby, an anaesthetist will perform a final check-up, as is usual procedure. The total duration of your active participation, from consent to the satisfaction survey, is a few weeks, leading up to your delivery.

Potential risks and benefits

Participating in this study might offer the benefit of contributing to our understanding of how to best provide pre-birth care, potentially making future appointments more convenient for pregnant people. You will receive your necessary anaesthesia consultation regardless of which group you are in. It's important to know that, as with any medical consultation, there's a small chance you might feel a bit anxious about discussing your health. We don't anticipate any significant risks beyond what is normally associated with a pre-anaesthesia consultation. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

CHU de Bordeaux
Verified postcode
Bordeaux, France

Common questions

What is a 'teleconsultation'?

A teleconsultation is like a doctor's appointment but done online, usually through a video call, so you don't have to travel to the hospital.

Why is this study important?

This study will help us understand if online anaesthesia appointments for pregnant people are as safe and good as in-person ones, which could make them more convenient in the future.

Will I still get my anaesthesia appointment if I don't join the study?

Yes, absolutely. Joining the study is completely optional, and your medical care, including your anaesthesia appointment, will not be affected if you choose not to participate.

What will happen during the anaesthesia consultation?

During the consultation, an anaesthetist will discuss pain relief options for childbirth, like epidurals, and review your health to make sure anaesthesia will be safe for you.

How will my privacy be protected?

All your personal information and health details shared during the study will be kept private and handled with strict confidentiality, following all data protection rules.

How to find out more

Marion GRITON, MD

marion.griton@chu-bordeaux.fr 05 57 82 17 22 Official trial record

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