Use and misuse of the term "elective" in obstetrics.
Publication/Presentation Date
2-1-2011
Abstract
The term "elective" is commonly used in obstetrics. We performed an electronic search of MEDLINE database using the terms "elective" and "obstetrics," which provided 2,208 publications. We found "elective" was more often used in relation to surgical interventions (eg, cesarean delivery, cerclage) and medical procedures (labor induction) rather than diagnostic procedures. Our review indicates the term lacks the necessary scientific specificity when used to modify procedures such as cerclage, cesarean delivery, timing of delivery, episiotomy, hysterectomy, labor induction, preterm delivery, termination of pregnancy, and ultrasonography. The lack of specificity of the term suggests the most reasonable and prudent course of action is to not use it, but rather to document the specific indication (whether medical or non-medical) for the intervention or procedure (eg, "cesarean delivery on maternal request," "history-indicated cerclage," "induction for preeclampsia"). We propose that the term "elective" should be eliminated from the vocabulary of obstetric practice.
Volume
117
Issue
2 Pt 1
First Page
372
Last Page
376
ISSN
1873-233X
Published In/Presented At
Berghella, V., Blackwell, S. C., Ramin, S. M., Sibai, B. M., & Saade, G. R. (2011). Use and misuse of the term "elective" in obstetrics. Obstetrics and gynecology, 117(2 Pt 1), 372–376. https://doi.org/10.1097/AOG.0b013e31820780ff
Disciplines
Business Administration, Management, and Operations | Health and Medical Administration | Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods
PubMedID
21252752
Department(s)
Administration and Leadership
Document Type
Article