Satisfaction in the management of pain during labour with the use of transcutaneous nerve stimulation

Abstract

There are many factors involved with satisfaction in women during labour. Pain relief is considered one of the weaknesses, in such a way that it could influence the rating of the rest of satisfaction items. The use of Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS), like a non-pharmacologic approach, is an effective and safe technique used during childbirth. Measure for Testing Satisfaction (COMFORTS) scale is a specific questionnaire that includes the most important factors associated with the relation between mother satisfaction and the childbirth experience. The aim of this work was to analyze factors that can influence satisfaction in pregnant women during labour and its relation with pain management. A randomized and double-blind controlled trial was conducted. All participants completed the satisfaction scale immediately after childbirth. 63 participants were randomly assigned to one TENS device to relieve the pain, with different dose in each patients group. The primary outcome was to evaluate satisfaction in patients during childbirth and its relation with pain relief. This measurement was made with two scales, the satisfaction level was measured with COMFORTS scale and pain was measured with Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). The total COMFORTS scale mean score was 171.03 ± 19.69 with an individual item mean of 4.28. Women who have had more than one delivery presented the highest level of satisfaction, followed by nulliparous and those who have had a previous pregnancy. Women who expressed a low level of satisfaction had experienced severe pain. Lower degree of satisfaction was observed in women with severe pain 3.03 ± 1.1 than women with moderate pain, 4.53 ± 0.7. Overall, high level of satisfaction during labour was obtained; we recommended the use of TENS for pain relief to improve general satisfaction.