Dataset Information

A systematic review of the Robson classification for caesarean section: what works, doesn't work and how to improve it.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Caesarean sections (CS) rates continue to increase worldwide without a clear understanding of the main drivers and consequences. The lack of a standardized internationally-accepted classification system to monitor and compare CS rates is one of the barriers to a better understanding of this trend. The Robson's 10-group classification is based on simple obstetrical parameters (parity, previous CS, gestational age, onset of labour, fetal presentation and number of fetuses) and does not involve the indication for CS. This classification has become very popular over the last years in many countries. We conducted a systematic review to synthesize the experience of users on the implementation of this classification and proposed adaptations.

Methods

Four electronic databases were searched. A three-step thematic synthesis approach and a qualitative metasummary method were used.

Results

232 unique reports were identified, 97 were selected for full-text evaluation and 73 were included. These publications reported on the use of Robson's classification in over 33 million women from 31 countries. According to users, the main strengths of the classification are its simplicity, robustness, reliability and flexibility. However, missing data, misclassification of women and lack of definition or consensus on core variables of the classification are challenges. To improve the classification for local use and to decrease heterogeneity within groups, several subdivisions in each of the 10 groups have been proposed. Group 5 (women with previous CS) received the largest number of suggestions.

Conclusions

The use of the Robson classification is increasing rapidly and spontaneously worldwide. Despite some limitations, this classification is easy to implement and interpret. Several suggested modifications could be useful to help facilities and countries as they work towards its implementation.

SUBMITTER: Betran AP

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4043665 | biostudies-literature | 2014

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

ACCESS DATA

Publications

A systematic review of the Robson classification for caesarean section: what works, doesn't work and how to improve it.

Betrán Ana Pilar AP Vindevoghel Nadia N Souza Joao Paulo JP Gülmezoglu A Metin AM Torloni Maria Regina MR

PloS one 20140603 6

<h4>Background</h4>Caesarean sections (CS) rates continue to increase worldwide without a clear understanding of the main drivers and consequences. The lack of a standardized internationally-accepted classification system to monitor and compare CS rates is one of the barriers to a better understanding of this trend. The Robson's 10-group classification is based on simple obstetrical parameters (parity, previous CS, gestational age, onset of labour, fetal presentation and number of fetuses) and d ...[more]

PMID: 24892928

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Project description:BackgroundWith an increasing rate of caesarean sections as well as rising numbers of multiple pregnancies, valid classifications for benchmarking are needed. The Robson classification provides a method to group cases with caesarean section in order to assess differences in outcome across regions and sites. In this study we set up a novel method of classification by using routinely collected health data. We hypothesize i that routinely collected health data can be used to apply complex medical classifications and ii that the Robson classification is capable of classifying mothers and their corresponding newborn into meaningful groups with regard to outcome.Methods and findingsThe study was conducted at the coding department and the department of obstetrics and gynecology Inselspital, University Hospital of Bern, Switzerland. The study population contained inpatient cases from 2014 until 2017. Administrative and health data were extracted from the Data Warehouse. Cases were classified by a Structured Query Language code according to the Robson criteria using data from the administrative system, the electronic health record and from the laboratory system. An automated query to classify the cases according to Robson could be implemented and successfully validated. A linkage of the mother's class to the corresponding newborn could be established. The distribution of clinical indicators was described. It could be shown that the Robson classes are associated to outcome parameters and case related costs.ConclusionsWith this study it could be demonstrated, that a complex query on routinely collected health data would serve for medical classification and monitoring of quality and outcome. Risk-stratification might be conducted using this data set and should be the next step in order to evaluate the Robson criteria and outcome. This study will enhance the discussion to adopt an automated classification on routinely collected health data for quality assurance purposes.

Project description:BackgroundChina has one of the highest caesarean section (C-Section) rates in the world. In recent years, China has been experiencing a massive flow of migration due to rapid urbanization. In this study, we aimed to differentiate the rates of C-Section between migrants and residents, and explore any possible factors which may moderate the association between migrant status and C-Section rates.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective cohort study in Shanghai, China. All deliveries were classified using the modified Robson Classification. The association between women's migrant status and C-Section rates was assessed using the Poisson regression of sandwich estimation, after adjusting for possible factors.ResultsOf the 40,621 women included in the study, 66.9% were residents and 33.1% were internal migrants. The rate of C-Section in migrants was lower than that of residents in all subjects (39.9 and 47.7%) and in group 1 subjects (based on the Robson Classification) using a modified Robson Classification. There was an association between migrant status and caesarean delivery on maternal request that was statistically significant (RR = 0.664, p < 0.001), but the association was weakened after adjusting for such factors as maternal age at delivery (aRR = 0.774, p = 0.02), ethnicity (aRR = 0.753, p < 0.001), health insurance (aRR = 0.755, p < 0.001), and occupation (aRR = 0.747, p = 0.004), but had no significant changes when adjusting for health conditions (aRR = 0.668, p = 0.001) and all considering variables (aRR = 0.697, p = 0.002). In group 1 subjects, the effect of migrant status on maternal requested intrapartum C-Section was also statistically significant (RR = 0.742, p = 0.004).ConclusionC-Section rates are lower among migrant women than residents, especially on maternal request. The medical practitioners should further reinforce the management of elective C-Section in resident women.

Project description:ObjectiveTo analyse the current situation of caesarean section in Palestine using the Robson Ten Group Classification System (TGCS).DesignA population-based birth cohort study.SettingObstetrical departments in three governmental hospitals in Gaza.ParticipantsAll women (18 908) who gave birth between 1 January 2016 and 30 April 2017.MethodsThe contributions of each group to the study population and to the overall rate of caesarean section were calculated, as well as the rate of caesarean section in each TGCS group. Differences in proportions between study hospitals were assessed by ?2 test.Main outcome measuresThe main outcome was the contributions of each group to the overall caesarean section rate.ResultsThe overall rate of caesarean section was 22.9% (4337 of 18 908), ranging from 20.6% in hospital 1 to 24.6% in hospital 3. The largest contributors to the overall caesarean section rate were multiparous women with single cephalic full-term pregnancy who had undergone at least one caesarean section (group 5, 42.6%), women with multiple pregnancies (group 8, 11.6%) and those with single cephalic preterm labour (group 10, 8.1%). Statistically significant differences in caesarean section rates between the study hospitals were observed in group 1 (nulliparous women with single cephalic full-term pregnancy and spontaneous labour), group 4 (multiparous with single cephalic full-term pregnancy with induced labour or prelabour caesarean section), group 5 (multiparous with single cephalic full-term pregnancy with previous caesarean section) and in group 7 (multiparous with breech presentation).ConclusionWomen in groups 5, 8 and 10 were the largest contributors to the overall caesarean section rate in the study hospitals. Efforts to reduce the differences in obstetrical care between hospitals need to be directed towards increasing the proportion of vaginal births after caesarean section and by reducing primary caesarean section in multiple pregnancies and preterm labour.

Project description:Introduction and objectiveIn recent decades, caesarean section rates have increased dramatically worldwide and the reasons for this trend are not fully understood. This continuing trend has raised public health concerns regarding higher maternal and perinatal risks, high costs, healthcare efficiency, and inequality of services. The current study aimed to explore the perspectives and insights of healthcare providers and policymakers in the Israeli health system regarding the factors that drive caesarean section rates and the readiness and feasibility of implementing the Robson Ten Group Classification System for the first time.MethodsSemi-structured interviews were conducted (n = 12) with purposefully selected healthcare providers and policymakers in Israel. Data was analysed inductively using a thematic analysis approach.ResultsThe findings reflected the "changing landscape" in childbirth practices and attitudes that contributes to the rising caesarean section rate, including childbirth at older ages, birth planning, and a transition toward a more collaborative decision-making approach to childbirth. The participants emphasized the lack of a standardized classification or consistent data monitoring of caesarean section in the Israeli health system. Additionally, enablers to implement the Robson Ten Group Classification System in Israel (ease of use, data collection and recording, and the allocation of resources and personnel), as well as barriers (concerns over workload, limited resources, budget implications, and technological complexity), were found.ConclusionsThis study revealed the multifaceted factors shaping caesarean section rates within Israel and underscored the perceived need for evidence-based monitoring and informed decision-making in healthcare practices. Our findings support the conclusion that empirical evidence and clear data are crucial for effective caesarean section use and are currently lacking in Israeli hospitals. Thus, it is recommended to adopt a globally standardized, accepted, and effective tool-the Robson Ten Group Classification System-to accommodate the "changing landscape" in alignment with evolving medical and societal dynamics, which consequently will assist in optimizing caesarean section use.

Project description:Background: A major challenge in providing mental health interventions for young people is making such interventions accessible and appealing to those most in need. Online and app-based forms of therapy for mental health are burgeoning. It is therefore crucial to identify features that are most effective and engaging for young users. Objectives: This study reports a systematic review and meta-analysis of digital mental health interventions and their effectiveness in addressing anxiety and depression in young people to determine factors that relate to outcomes, adherence, and engagement with such interventions. Methods: A mixed methods approach was taken, including a meta-analysis of 9 randomized controlled trials that compared use of a digital intervention for depression in young people to a no-intervention control group, and 6 comparing the intervention to an active control condition. A thematic analysis and narrative synthesis of 41 studies was also performed. Results: The pooled effect size of digital mental health interventions on depression in comparison to a no-intervention control was small (Cohen's d = 0.33, 95% CI 0.11 to 0.55), while the pooled effect size of studies comparing an intervention group to an active control showed no significant differences (Cohen's d = 0.14, 95% CI -.04 to 0.31). Pooled effect sizes were higher when supervision was involved (studies with no-intervention controls: Cohen's d = 0.52, 95% CI 0.23 to 0.80; studies with active control: Cohen's d = 0.49, 95% CI -0.11, 1.01). Engagement and adherence rates were low. Qualitative analysis revealed that users liked interventions with a game-like feel and relatable, interactive content. Educational materials were perceived as boring, and users were put off by non-appealing interfaces and technical glitches. Conclusions: Digital interventions work better than no intervention to improve depression in young people when results of different studies are pooled together. However, these interventions may only be of clinical significance when use is highly supervised. Digital interventions do not work better than active alternatives regardless of the level of support. Future interventions need to move beyond the use of digital educational materials, considering other ways to attract and engage young people and to ensure relevance and appeal.

Dataset Information

A systematic review of the Robson classification for caesarean section: what works, doesn't work and how to improve it.

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Publications

A systematic review of the Robson classification for caesarean section: what works, doesn't work and how to improve it.

Similar Datasets

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