Playing nice: improving the professional climate between physicians and midwives in the Calgary area.

Background: Anecdotal reports in the Calgary area indicate a lack of integration of midwives into the mainstream obstetrical community and strained relationships between obstetrical care providers. Finding ways to cultivate positive working relationships is essential for ensuring excellent patient care standards. In this study we sought to identify barriers to an effective working relationship between physicians (both obstetricians and family physicians) and midwives, and to find ways to improve the quality of professional interactions and promote team-based pregnancy care.

Prediction of postoperative pain after gynecologic laparoscopy for nonacute pelvic pain.

Objective: The primary objectives of this study were to explore the pain experience after gynecologic laparoscopy that is performed for nonacute pain conditions and to determine whether preoperative psychologic tests and quantitative tests of sensitization can predict postoperative pain.

Study Design: Participants included 61 women who underwent laparoscopy for nonacute pain (n = 61). A second group of 16 women who had undergone tubal ligation was included to explore whether laparoscopy induced a painful postoperative response in women without preoperative pain.

Clinical practice in prevention of neonatal HSV infection: a survey of obstetrical care providers in Alberta.

Objective: To identify the current practice patterns of physicians providing prenatal care in Alberta with respect to prevention of neonatal herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection.

Method: A 22-item questionnaire was mailed to all obstetricians and family physicians providing obstetrical care in Alberta. The questionnaire included demographic and practice details, and details of management of patients with a history or symptoms of HSV lesions, including practice in prescribing antiviral therapy, recommending elective Caesarean section, and ordering serology.

Assessing image quality of low-cost laparoscopic box trainers: options for residents training at home.

Introduction: Low-cost laparoscopic box trainers built using home computers and webcams may provide residents with a useful tool for practice at home. This study set out to evaluate the image quality of low-cost laparoscopic box trainers compared with a commercially available model.

Methods: Five low-cost laparoscopic box trainers including the components listed were compared in random order to one commercially available box trainer: A (high-definition USB 2.

Blood pressure measurement for hypertension in pregnancy.

Objective: Ambulatory BP monitoring (ABPM) has been proposed as a logical approach to overcoming many of the problems associated with clinical BP measurement. The extent of its use in diagnosing hypertension in pregnancy is unknown. The objective of this study was to identify the practices surrounding use of ABPM by practitioners to diagnose hypertension (HTN) and white coat hypertension (WCH) in pregnant women.