Rationalisation of the caesarean section rate in a tertiary referral hospital using the Robson classification

The aim of this study was to implement the Robson Ten Groups Classification System (RTGCS) to identify the main contributors to the caesarean section (CS) rate and to evaluate whether the introduction of a plan of obstetrical interventions reduced this rate. An observational retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted during two time periods at Alicante University General Hospital. In the pre-implementation period (2009-2012), RTGCS was applied to identify the main groups contributing to the overall CS rate. In the post-implementation period (2013-2017), RTGCS was applied again to identify changing trends in CS rates. In all, 11,034 deliveries during the pre-intervention period and 11,453 during the post-intervention period were analysed. The overall CS rate was 23.9% and 20.9%, respectively. There were no changes in perinatal outcomes. In the post-intervention period, there was a significant decrease of the CS rate in the groups of targeted interventions 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 8B.Impact statement What is already known on this subject? High CS rates are becoming a public health problem because of risks, costs, excessive medicalisation, and abuse of resources. RTGCS provides a framework for auditing and analysing CS rates. What do the results of this study add? RTGCS can identify the groups that have the greatest impact on the CS rate and monitor changes in it consequent to policy changes.

Automated summary

This study aimed to implement the RTGCS to identify main contributors to CS rate and evaluate the impact of obstetrical interventions on reducing the rate. Results showed a significant decrease in CS rate in specific intervention groups post-implementation, with no effect on perinatal outcomes.