• Ibrahim Ibrahim, Bilal Ibrahim, Guo Liang Yong, Maria Coats, Zorica Vujovic, and Michael Sj Wilson.
• Foundation Doctor, Department of General Surgery, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, Scotland.
• Scot Med J. 2018 Nov 1; 63 (4): 108-112.

BackgroundDetermining the possibility of pregnancy and the documentation of pregnancy status are important considerations in the assessment of females of reproductive age when admitted to hospital.ObjectivesOur aim was to determine the adequacy of the documentation of pregnancy status and possibility of pregnancy across multiple surgical specialties.Materials And MethodsA prospective audit of surgical specialties (general, orthopaedics, urology, vascular, maxillofacial, ENT, gynaecology and neurosurgery) within NHS Tayside, in May 2015.ResultsA total of 129 females of reproductive age were admitted; 69 (53.5%) elective and 60 (46.5%) emergencies. Eighty-four patients (65%) were asked 'Is there any possibility of pregnancy?' Pregnancy status was documented in 74% of patients. Eleven (8.5%) patients were not asked about possibility of pregnancy and did not have a documented pregnancy status. Documentation of the use of contraception, sexual activity and date of last menstrual period was noted in 53 (41.1%), 31 (24.0%) and 66 (51.2%) patients, respectively.ConclusionsThere is a wide variation in the documentation of pregnancy status and possibility of pregnancy amongst surgical specialties. This was not an issue in gynaecology but is an issue in ENT, maxillofacial, neurosurgery, vascular and general surgery. The reasons are unclear. Documentation of pregnancy status using ßhCG assays should be the gold standard, and national guidelines are required.

5 keywords...

hide…