Curationis
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Epidural anaesthesia as a method of pain relief during labour has lately become very popular. Statistics show that in some labour units up to 70 per cent of all patients undergo epidural anaesthesia. The popularity of this method can be attributed to its effectiveness in relieving pain during labour. ⋯ It has also been considered whether protocols in the maintenance of epidural anaesthesia exist. All the abovementioned information was acquired by submitting a questionnaire for completion by midwives practising in labour wards in the Johannesburg area. The results of this research show that the midwife's knowledge as regards to epidural anaesthesia and its maintenance is inadequate.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)