By InvitationNot Applicable

EpiFaith Resident Learning Curve Trial

United States34 participantsStarted 2023-09-01

Plain-language summary

This study aims to evaluate the impact of the EpiFaith® syringe on the learning curve of anesthesia residents for the labor epidural technique. Anesthesia residents with prior experience placing \< 5 labor epidurals will be enrolled. Their performance of 20 sequential labor epidural placements with either standard technique with a beveled glass syringe or the EpiFaith® syringe will be observed. Successful epidural placement over time with sequential epidural placement attempts will be measured between groups. The primary outcome will be rate of successful epidural placement. Success will be defined as a composite of 4 criteria: maximum 3 attempts for placement; no need to re-site at a different level; no required intervention by the supervising attending anesthesiologist; and adequate analgesia with a visual analog score (VAS) \<3 at 30 minutes. We hypothesize that use of the EpiFaith® syringe will enable a faster learning curve for successful epidural placement. A cumulative sum chart (CUSUM) analysis will evaluate whether the EpiFaith® syringe causes deviation from the control learning curve. Secondary outcomes will include rate of inadvertent dural puncture and epidural replacement rate.

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion Criteria: * Anesthesiology residents with fewer than 5 prior epidural placement experiences Exclusion Criteria: * anesthesiology residents with more than 5 prior epidural placement experiences

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

success of labor epidural attempt

Timeframe: time of epidural placement to 30 minutes after dosing of the epidural

Trial details

NCT IDNCT07395622

SponsorBrigham and Women's Hospital

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2026-05-01

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Epidural Analgesia trials