A study of patient satisfaction following instrumental delivery Introduction Instrumental deliveries are common in the UK with rates between 10 and 13% nationally. Choice of instrument varies but may include ventouse or forceps with rotational instrumental deliveries via manual rotation, rotational ventouse or rotational forceps. However, instrumental deliveries are not without complications, which can confer maternal or neonatal morbidity. Acknowledged complications include vaginal tears, possibly extending to the anal sphincter/mucosa, haemorrhage, infection and is a known risk factor for shoulder dystocia. Fetal complications include subgaleal haematoma, intracranial haemorrhage, facial nerve palsy, cephalhaematoma, neonatal jaundice or retinal haemorrhage. Indications for instrumental delivery may include expedited delivery in fetal compromise, prolonged second stage of labour owing to maternal exhaustion/other reasons or safer delivery in cases where maternal pushing is not advisable. Our unit: We have performed a prospective study between October and December 2015 to investigate patient satisfaction following instrumental deliveries. This was achieved via a proforma with the first part completed by the operating physician and the second part completed by the patient in the first day following delivery. We have, on average, 4000 deliveries in our unit per annum and had 1029 deliveries in the 3-month period. There were 111 instrumental deliveries and we had a return rate of 45% (50). Results: Demographics – in the cohort 35 were primiparous, 15 were multiparous with the majority of women between the ages of 20–30. The fetal head was in the occipito-anterior position in 64% with the remainder either occipito-posterior or occipito-transverse. 46% had forceps delivery, 30% had a ventouse delivery, 18% needed a double instrumental delivery and in only 3 deliveries did the instrumental delivery fail necessitating a second stage caesarean section. The instrumental delivery was performed under a variety of analgesic techniques – 30% local perineal infiltration, 6% pudendal block and 64% regional anaesthesia (epidural or spinal anaesthetic). 30 patients had an episiotomy performed, 7 patients had a third degree tear, 1 patient had a fourth degree tear and 5 patients had major post-partum haemorrhages of >1500 ml. The overall patient satisfaction was high with 94% feeling safe, well informed and that they were treated with respect throughout. 96% were happy they received a good explanation of the procedure including rational, consent and associated risks. 94% felt comfortable throughout with supportive staff. Overall pain scores post procedure was low with only 8% stating they had moderate or severe pain post-natally. 23 of 50 women also added comments with 22 highly positive and only 1 borderline comment, which was regarding explanation by the medical staff as it was an emergency procedure. Conclusion: Overall patient satisfaction in the immediate post-partum period was high despite the aforementioned complication rates.