Evaluation of Dural Puncture Epidural Technique for Labor Pain Relief Assessing Effectiveness, Safety, and Provider Confidence at Ohio State University

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating the dural puncture epidural DPE technique as a method for pain relief during labor. This observational study at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center focuses on how well DPE works, its safety, and anesthesia providers confidence in performing the procedure. The study aims to better understand DPEs success rate and its impact on labor pain management compared to standard epidural techniques, which sometimes fail or are difficult to confirm placement. The DPE technique involves puncturing the dura with a spinal needle to confirm epidural needle placement by observing cerebrospinal fluid flow, without injecting medication into the spinal space. Participants include laboring women receiving DPE as part of routine care, with anesthesia providers completing surveys about their confidence and technique details. The study collects data on procedural characteristics, patient outcomes, and any complications. Participants will undergo routine clinical care with data collected on labor analgesia effectiveness, pain relief, need for additional dosing, delivery and neonatal outcomes, and any procedure-related issues. Provider confidence is measured before and after the procedure, and patient satisfaction is assessed after delivery. The study will analyze success rates of DPE placement and epidural effectiveness, with ongoing monitoring through delivery and postpartum assessments.

Dural Puncture Epidural (DPE) Technique: Efficacy and Safety Overview.