Obstetric Anal Sphincter Injuries (OASI) are associated with severe debilitating morbidities (pain, infection, sexual dysfunction, urinary and faecal incontinence, psychological impact). Our goal was to improve OASI care in our unit, not only with implementation of the care bundle but with further improvements. In stage 1 of this project, we introduced the ‘OASI’ care bundle leaflets, streamlined postnatal referral process for gynaecology and physiotherapy follow up and introduced a multi-disciplinary team of ‘OASI’ care champions in our unit.

Our hospital ‘OASI’ rates were 1.7% (4.2% of all assisted births) in accordance with national average. The OASI  leaflets were given to all patients but antenatal discussion was poorly documented. The OASI proforma was filled in all cases – this documented the perineal examination, the repair and  the postnatal medication and referral plan. We also noted that perineal support was only documented in 2 cases and the mention of warm compress in labour was minimal. None of our women had long term complications.

A collaborative approach to education and training is essential to implement sustainable changes. Stage 2 will focus on intra-partum care. We hope to further improve the quality of care and enhance patient satisfaction.