Objective: To determine whether opinions and practice patterns have markedly changed over the past decade and whether clinicians are cognizant of the new ACOG definitions for forceps deliveries.
Methods: Two hundred ninety-five United States and Canadian residency programs were surveyed via a questionnaire; 203 (69%) responded. Statistical analysis was performed using the chi 2 test, Yates correction factor, and the extended Mantel-Haenszel test.
Results: All but two program directors (99%) were familiar with the new definitions, which were being used by 162 (80%) of the programs. All institutions used outlet and low forceps, although 14% no longer performed midforceps deliveries. Attending faculty were the primary instructors in 67% of United States and 100% of Canadian programs. Simpson forceps were the most commonly used for outlet (46%) and low (43%) forceps deliveries. Kielland (27%) and Simpson (24%) instruments were most commonly used for midforceps deliveries.
Conclusion: Although the rate of midforceps use decreased, operative vaginal delivery was still commonly taught in residency programs in North America in 1990.