Time from decision to incision for cesarean deliveries at a community hospital.

Objective: To compare decision-to-incision times of cesarean deliveries for various indications, estimate the percentage of cesarean deliveries initiated within 30 minutes (defined as "efficient"), and assess the effect of performance improvement projects over time.

Methods: In 2004 (n=291) and 2006 (n=574) cesarean deliveries were prospectively tracked for decision-to-incision time. Information collected included indication, urgency, and reason for delay.